Dailuaine 11 Years Old 1996 Cask #91001 – 03 (Ian Macleod)

A Dailuaine of an 11 year old chosen by the bottler Ian Macleod, distilled in 1996, from cask 91001-03, bottled at 43%, one of 1062 bottles. Dailuaine is a heavy, fruity Speyside single malt from near Aberlour. The distillery was founded in 1852 by William Mackenzie on the banks of the Spey at Carron.

Run through the distillery's big copper stills, to build a robust, malty, sherry loving character. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the meaty malt. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the malt, fruit deepening to dried fruit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the meaty malt. Water comes from the Bailliemullich Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills. Long ageing turns the fresh fruit towards dried fruit, fig, leather and a warm spice. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the heavy malt deepening.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow. Apple, dried fruit and a meaty edge, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is robust and fruity, the full bodied spirit shining through. The finish is long, rich and savoury. This is one of Speyside's heavier single malts.