Dailuaine 46 Years Old 1973 Old & Rare A Platinum Selection (Hunter Laing)

From the independent Hunter Laing, a 46 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 1973, bottled at 45.1%, one of 231 bottles. Dailuaine, whose name is Gaelic for the green vale, is a heavy, full bodied Speysider. Its rich, robust malt has long been a backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends.

Made in large copper stills for a rich, robust make, building the heavy Dailuaine style. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the rich character to the fore. Ethereal and old, decades draw the malt to a rich, waxy depth of sotolon, old oak and dried fruit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the meaty malt. Refill oak lets the robust Dailuaine character lead, malt and dried fruit beneath. The big stills give a heavy spirit that takes a long, sherried maturation in its stride. Most of its make goes to blending, with a Flora and Fauna sixteen year old the regular single malt.

At a natural 45.1% it is full and honeyed. A robust, sherried maltiness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a malty depth give it weight. The finish is deep, rich and savoury. This is one of Speyside's heavier single malts.