Dailuaine 15 Years Old 2004 (Authentic Collection)

This Dailuaine was bottled by Scotland's oldest independent bottler Cadenhead's, a 15 year old, distilled in 2004, bottled at 54.7%, one of 282 bottles. Dailuaine is a heavy, fruity Speyside single malt from near Aberlour. It sits near Aberlour, in the heart of Speyside by the River Spey.

Drawn off three wash and three spirit stills, for a rich, meaty make that suits sherry wood. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the rich character to the fore. In the oxidative middle years oxidation draws out a deeper dried fruit, vanillin and lactones fully expressed. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the heavy malt deepening. It had its own railway siding and a little locomotive, Dailuaine No.1, known as the Puggy. 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.

At its natural 54.7% it is concentrated. A robust, sherried maltiness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run dried fruit, malt and a savoury edge. The close is long, fruit over a rich malt. This is Dailuaine, a backbone of the great blends.