The Singleton of Dufftown 54 Year Old is one of the oldest single malts Diageo has ever released, a whisky laid down in 1966 and bottled more than half a century later. It is the second release in The Singleton's Paragon of Time Collection, limited to just 235 decanters worldwide, and it is the kind of bottle that anchors a serious collection.
The Singleton of Dufftown is distilled in Dufftown, the Speyside town at the heart of Scotland's malt whisky country. This whisky began life when its cask was hand-filled on 31 October 1966, in the slow-crafted style of the 1960s. Malt Master Maureen Robinson led its release in 2021, unveiling it from London's Royal Greenwich Observatory, and described it as a balance between traditional craft and modern finishing.
The spirit spent more than five decades in European oak before a final period in a single Pedro Ximénez-seasoned cask, which adds a layer of dark, dried-fruit richness to the old Speyside malt. It is presented in a crystal decanter made by Baccarat in the shape of The Singleton silhouette, with copper detailing by Royal Warrant holder Thomas Fattorini. The decanter rests in a leather-lined cabinet crafted from 54-year-old wood and decorated with motifs inspired by the Scottish landscape.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Mellow and dry with a rich, winey top note, then maraschino cherry and waxed wood over a dusty warehouse base; water brings out mint toffee.
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Palate: Light-bodied and lively for its age, opening fruity before turning spicy, with clove-studded orange and a bittersweet hint of burnt raisin, like Christmas pudding in a glass.
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Finish: Long, warming and drying, with a light, spicy sweetness.
Specifications
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Producer: The Singleton of Dufftown (Diageo)
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Style: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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Expression / Batch: Paragon of Time Collection, second release; 235 decanters
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Age: 54 years (cask filled 31 October 1966)
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Proof / ABV: 86.2 proof (43.1% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: European oak, finished in a single Pedro Ximénez-seasoned cask
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Region: Speyside, Scotland
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
A whisky of this age deserves a slow pour: serve it neat in a tulip glass and give it time to open. Add a few drops of water and the fruit lifts while the finish sharpens. It is a remarkable centrepiece for a milestone celebration, and the Baccarat decanter and handcrafted cabinet make it an heirloom-level gift for the collector who has everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is The Singleton 54 Year Old?
It was aged 54 years; its cask was filled on 31 October 1966.
How many bottles of The Singleton Paragon of Time were made?
The second Paragon of Time release is limited to 235 decanters.
What cask finished The Singleton 54 Year Old?
After more than five decades in European oak, it was finished in a single Pedro Ximénez-seasoned cask.
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