Daftmill Single Cask 13 Years Old 2011 (60.1%)

This official Daftmill, a 13 year old, from 2011, cask 069/2011, at 60.1%, 203 bottles in all. Daftmill is a tiny farm distillery in Fife, making a light, elegant Lowland single malt. The distillery runs only seasonally, in the quiet weeks of summer and winter between sowing and harvest.

Distilled in a single pair of onion shaped stills on farm well water, for a refined, citrussy spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle oak letting the delicate, fruity character lead. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the spirit, lemon deepening to honey. Daftmill's restraint and patience are reckoned a model of the modern Lowland style. The farm steading dates to the 18th century, the distillery built quietly into its old buildings. The onion shaped stills give a light spirit that ages with grace. A gentle maturation suits the light make, the fruit growing richer with time.

At a natural 60.1% it is full and honeyed. Lemon, green apple and a soft honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is light and clean, the fruit lifted by vanilla. The close is clean, fruit over a gentle oak. This is an elegant, grassy Lowland malt of real finesse.