The strikingly underappreciated Miltonduff distillery is unique in so many ways. Built on the site of an old mill for the Pluscarden Abbey, the distillery’s old stone buildings hide one of Speyside’s most delicious malts. Originally a Priory founded by King Alexander II in 1230, the area became renowned for illicit distillation. Originally licensed in 1824, the name, Milton, was taken from a still that operated on the property. The Duff family owned the lands surrounding the abbey, hence the name Miltonduff. The malt became an important component of the renowned and still well-regarded Ballentine’s blend. Small quantities are released via trades to independent bottlers, but the new owners (Chivas Regal) haven’t made an effort to market the malt as a standalone whisky. Its quality and rarity mean that bottlers often charge a premium and we’ve seen countless young offerings for over $100, but when this cask of full matured Miltonduff came our way we knew we couldn’t say no. Just a few months shy of that magic 25 year old age statement which would have added a solid 40% to the price tag, this is one old Speysider you can’t afford to miss. The older Ballentine’s blends are regularly awarded high praise from the critics and Miltonduff is a big part of that story. This old elegant whisky is the most approachable of the 20+ year old single casks that we’ve brought in this year – full of fruit, malt and unprecedented purity.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 13, 2018
Pour little Miltonduff. Nobody seems to want to admit that this stuff is world class. Critics ignore it, amateurs are unaware of it and aficionados dont even pretend to understand it. It took us a while to sell the last exclusive Miltonduff because most people wouldn’t get on board. When they finally got around to tasting it, the stuff flew out the door. This cask might sadly suffer a similar fate. Waiting on our shelves to be discovered, but the lucky few who dip their toes in without bias, will be rewarded handsomely. Quite an old school nose, with hints of citrus, wisps of clean smoke, marzipan and savory herbs. The somewhat subdued nose is in total contrast to the massive intensity of the palate. It’s all citrus, cake frosting and herbs again though, none of the smoke. A bit of camphor and warming minty green tea finish. With water, it just explodes with flavors offering an absolutely stunning bouquet of aromatic complexities. It’s a terrible shame that more people arent jump all over this beauty, but if you don’t act soon you might just miss the malt of your dreams. Once the geeks get a hold of this one I think theyll be hoarding it.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 10, 2018
We don’t get to see a lot of Miltonduff which is ashamed. It offers a wonderful flavor prospective to the single malt selection at K&L. The nose has bright nice pear fruit like aromas that have wax and honey undertones. In the mouth the entry is sweet, followed with concentrated flavors that have dried fruit nuances. There is a long finish. I thought the Miltonduff 24 was enjoyable with and without an addition of water.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 01, 2018
An especially clean and pure spirit, even at such an age. Miltonduff is most well known for being the top dressing malt for Ballantine’s wonderful and elegant blends. It’s quite a rare thing to see it bottled on its own as a single malt, and we’re supremely happy to have had the chance to do it. There is lots of butterscotch and Werther’s Original cream and caramel notes to this malt. A bit of buttered popcorn and a fine drizzle of melted milk chocolate round it all out. For those who normally drink the classic malts of Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, this is a luxurious rise to the top of that style ladder without paying the premium associated with the very old bottles from those illustrious distilleries. Not a hint of smoke here, just a little dried nuttiness and faint herbal note round out everything with a slight savor. At the natural cask strength of 50.8% ABV, this is utter perfection.
