Dailuaine 34 Years Old 1973 Cask #DL 3976 (Douglas Laing)

This Dailuaine was bottled by the Glasgow bottler Douglas Laing, a 34 year old, distilled in 1973, from cask DL 3976, bottled at 50%, one of 238 bottles. Dailuaine was founded in 1852 by William Mackenzie, and was the first distillery to wear the pagoda roof. Its big stills give a heavy, full bodied spirit that takes sherry wood especially well.

The spirit was distilled for the heavy, full bodied spirit Dailuaine is known for, giving the heavy, meaty spirit at its heart. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the oak letting the heavy, malty character lead. In its ethereal years the malt is deep and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, spice). The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the heavy malt deepening. The full bodied make rewards a long, patient maturation in good wood. Most of its make goes to blending, with a Flora and Fauna sixteen year old the regular single malt.

At its natural 50% it is concentrated. A rich, full bodied sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is full and rich, the fruit lifted by a meaty malt. The finish runs meaty, fruity and warm. This is a full bodied Speyside single malt of real depth.