Dailuaine 17 Years Old 1996 Cask #10622 (A.D. Rattray)

This Dailuaine was bottled by A.D. Rattray, a 17 year old, distilled in 1996, from cask 10622, bottled at 56.9%, one of 281 bottles. Dailuaine sits at Carron on the Spey, a big, sherried Speyside malt rarely seen on its own. The distillery was founded in 1852 by William Mackenzie on the banks of the Spey at Carron.

It was distilled in large conical necked stills on Bailliemullich Burn water, to build a robust, malty, sherry loving character. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding vanilla and a soft honey. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, fruit turning to dried fruit over a rich, malty body. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the heavy malt deepening. Maturation in the cool north east keeps the rich spirit balanced over the years. Most Dailuaine goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. The big stills give a heavy spirit that takes a long, sherried maturation in its stride.

Bottled at a cask strength 56.9%, it is rich. Apple, dried fruit and a meaty edge, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Dried fruit, malt and a savoury spice fill the middle. The finish is long, rich and savoury. This is the robust, sherried malt of Carron.