Singleton of Dufftown 54 Year Old is rare find of a whisky of this great age; far rarer being one of unique provenance, that never left the distillery. Only a fortunate few have been able to enjoy its younger sibling (Paragon of Time No.1, 53yr). Even now, only a handful more can join them, for so little remains in casks of this age after the angels have taken their share. The cask yielded just 235 bottles to be savoured in this precious release. This is the second and the last release in this incredibly rare series. The Singleton Paragon of Time No.2 spent more than half a century ageing in the original 1966 cask, making it a prestigious 54 year old Single Malt Scotch, and something of an artistic time capsule that has been nurtured and crafted over decades to finally be released to a select few.
Paragon of Time No.2:
This special bottling was crafted in Duftown in the 1960s – over half a century ago. Every process was slow; barley malted and turned by hand on the drying foor. The craftsmen of the past devoted their lives to these slow-crafting ways. Aged for 54 years, The Singleton Paragon of Time No.2 celebrates a precious oak butt cask that was slowly hand-filled on October 31st, 1966 and sealed in time. It was destined to become The Singleton's oldest ever release. Finally, it was then given an exquisite final maturation using a Pedro-Ximenez seasoned cask – a last act of mastery in the pursuit of true richness that only time, skill and patience can achieve.
Bottles Released:
235
Colour:
Rich deep amber.
Nose:
Mellow, mild and dry overall. The top-note is richly winey, as you get with a vintage solera wine; the scent fills the room. Fleeting suggestions of maraschino cherry and wax furniture polish lie beneath this, on a dusty base of waxed cotton jacket and hemp ropes, or in the warehouse, earthy foors and hessian sacks. A balancing light bitterness emerges through the sweet fruit, while the introduction of a splash of water produces a note of mint tofee.
Taste:
At natural strength it's delicate in texture; light yet lively for its great age and drying overall. Sweet in taste, that begins fruity and quickly becomes spicy. It's like Christmas pudding in a glass. Clove-studded oranges, beneath a bittersweet hint of burnt raisins.
Finish:
Long, pleasantly warming and elegantly drying, with a light but spicy sweetness that leaves a warm glow. A splash of water elevates the fruit and sharpens the finale.
