Dailuaine 27 Years Old 1975 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A 27 year old Dailuaine from the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, distilled in 1975, bottled at 40%. Dailuaine, founded in 1852, gave Scotch its first pagoda roofed kiln. It sits near Aberlour, in the heart of Speyside by the River Spey.

The spirit was distilled for the heavy, full bodied spirit Dailuaine is known for, for a big, full Speyside spirit. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the meaty malt. Through the evaporative decades the spirit concentrates, esters folding into dried fruit, leather and a warm spice. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the rich, malty core over the years. Its rich, robust malt has long been a backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends. A first fill sherry cask suits the robust spirit, dried fruit meeting the meaty weight. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, vanilla and fruit over a rich malt.

At an approachable 40% it is soft and easy. Dried fruit, malt and a rich, savoury depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is robust and fruity, the full bodied spirit shining through. The finish is deep, rich and savoury. This is one of Speyside's heavier single malts.