Daftmill Winter Batch Release 12 Years Old 2006

An official release of Daftmill, a 12 year old, from 2006, cask 080-085/2006, at 46%, 1625 bottles in all. Daftmill is a seasonal farm distillery, distilling only in the quiet weeks between sowing and harvest. Barley is grown on the farm itself, malted nearby, in a true field to bottle approach.

Worked through the small stills for a delicate, fruity make, giving the delicate, floral Lowland spirit. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the elegant spirit. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the delicate body fuller and softer. Each small batch is laid down with patience, the whisky released only when ready. Refill oak lets the delicate Daftmill character lead, lemon and green apple beneath. It is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, with a tiny annual output. The patient, restrained approach has made Daftmill one of the most sought after of the new distilleries.

At 46% it is smooth and honeyed. Apple, honey and a floral lift, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run lemon, green apple and a soft honey. The close is clean, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a clean, fruity Lowland single malt.