Dailuaine 12 Years Old 2011 Clan Grammont (Arranthony Moray)

From the bottler Arranthony Moray, a 12 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 2011, bottled at 52.8%, one of 70 bottles. Dailuaine, founded in 1852, gave Scotch its first pagoda roofed kiln. Its rich, robust malt has long been a backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends.

The spirit was distilled in large conical necked stills on Bailliemullich Burn water, for a big, full Speyside spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the oak letting the heavy, malty character lead. By the integrating teens congeners fade and esters build, the rich, full bodied spirit growing rounder. Refill oak lets the robust Dailuaine character lead, malt and dried fruit beneath. 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. A fire in 1917 destroyed the maltings, and the distillery was rebuilt soon after. Its big stills give a heavy, full bodied spirit that takes sherry wood especially well.

At a natural 52.8% it is full and honeyed. A rich, full bodied sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked fruit and a warm spice lift it. The finish is deep, rich and savoury. This is a rich, malty Speyside single malt.