Description

Macduff 2011 Aged 13 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 100 Proof Edition #55 By Signatory Vintage (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 57.1%           Age: 13 Years Old           Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): Edition #55
Date of Distilling: 2011
Date of Bottling: 2025
Matured In: 1st Fill & Refill Oloroso Sherry Butts

The Whisky

Uncover the hidden power of the Deveron valley with the Signatory Vintage Macduff 13 Year Old (100 Proof Edition #55). Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2025, this 700ml single malt is a masterclass in the “100 Proof” philosophy—bottled at the historic British standard of 57.1% ABV. This specific edition features a balanced marriage of First-Fill and Refill Oloroso Sherry Butts, a combination designed to provide both the intense, dark-fruit impact of fresh wood and the nuanced, cereal-forward character of the Macduff distillate.

Macduff is a distillery known for its “nutty and bready” spirit, often characterised by a robust, oily texture. Inside information on Edition #55 suggests it was vatted to emphasize a “winter warmer” profile; the Oloroso influence brings a decadent sweetness that rounds out the distillery’s natural Highland grit. As with all Signatory icons, it is non-chill filtered and natural in colour, boasting a deep amber hue.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich, malty, and deeply sherried. You are greeted by the scent of toasted walnuts and malt loaf, followed by a dense layer of raisins and plum jam. As the 57.1% strength opens up, notes of brown sugar, nutmeg, and a hint of leather emerge, creating a classic and comforting “sherry bomb” bouquet.

Palate: The arrival is heavy and coating. It delivers an immediate wave of sticky toffee pudding and dark chocolate, which transitions into a mid-palate of roasted chestnuts and red apple skins. The high proof carries a warming spice of cinnamon and ginger, while the refill butts allow a savoury note of baked bread and golden syrup to provide a complex backbone.

Finish: Long, spicy, and satisfyingly dry. The finish lingers with cocoa powder and orange zest, finally tapering off with a final, nutty flourish of hazelnut praline and seasoned oak.

The Distillery

Macduff, located on the banks of the River Deveron near the coastal town of Banff, is a Highland distillery that often goes by the name “Glen Deveron” for its official bottlings. Built in 1962, it is a relatively modern facility known for its unusual setup of five stills (two wash and three spirit stills). A unique factual detail: Macduff uses shell-and-tube condensers positioned horizontally rather than vertically, a configuration believed to contribute to the “nutty and heavy” character of its spirit. This robust architecture makes Macduff a favorite for independent bottlers like Signatory, as it can withstand high-proof bottling and active sherry maturation without losing its distillery identity.

Overall Review

The Signatory Macduff 13 Year Old 100-Proof Edition #55 is globally reviewed as a “robust and reliable sherry beast,” praised for its incredible texture and value. Critics have lauded its “honest, old-school Highland character,” marking it as a mandatory purchase for those who enjoy the “meatier” style of sherried Speyside and Highland malts.