Review by: Raygun

Signatory added this budget 100 Proof line a year or two ago, a nice intermediate between the Un-Chillfiltered series and the more expensive Cask Strength decanters. Almost cask strength and under $100 for something in the teens—can’t complain about that. I’m not entirely sure what the difference is between the regular 100 Proof Line and the Exceptional Cask series, except the latter seem to be all sherry. Despite the name, they don’t seem to be single casks: the label doesn’t state single cask and rather says “oloroso sherry butts.” Macduff releases its own bottlings as The Deveron or Glen Deveron. Macduff is only used by IBs. Anyway, let’s see what we’ve got. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes.

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Distillery: Macduff 

Bottler: Signatory Vintage   

Region/style: Highlands single malt Scotch

ABV: 57.1%  

Age: 16 years old. Distilled in 2007 and bottled on March 22, 2024.   

Cask type: First fill Oloroso butts

Color: 1.4 auburn. Natural color and non-chillfiltered.

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Nose: Smells like Oloroso, just as the label says. Raisins, oranges, dates, and some weed-like dankness.                    

Palate: Good mouthfeel, and assertive without being too hot. Raisins and fresh grapes, dates, and some coffee. Bit of the weed flavor still. Some chocolate orange and hoisin sauce as well. The orange note is quite nice.  

Finish: Coffee, ancho chile, raisins. A little beef stock meatiness, though overall it’s pretty sweet. Could use something to cut the sweetness here.    

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Conclusion: A competent sherry bomb, if nothing tremendously special. At the price point, that’s not surprising. It’s a good price for a 16 year old in first fill sherry casks. I assume Signatory reserves the best casks for the pricier cask strength line, and I don’t blame them if they do. I rather welcome a mid-priced entry that pushes back against the seemingly ever-rising prices in IBs. It’s not the best thing I’ve drunk all year, but if Signatory gets a few more customers with a more modestly priced line, that’s a win for them. I’ve seen Murray McDavid do something similar, though this is frankly far better.  

Score: 77

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)