Dailuaine 18 Years Old 1997 Cask #7200 + 7201 (Signatory)

An 18 year old Dailuaine from the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, distilled in 1997, from cask 7200 + 7201, bottled at 46%. Dailuaine, founded in 1852, gave Scotch its first pagoda roofed kiln. A fire in 1917 destroyed the maltings, and the distillery was rebuilt soon after.

The spirit was drawn off three wash and three spirit stills, for a rich, meaty make that suits sherry wood. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding vanilla and a soft honey. In the oxidative middle years oxidation draws out a deeper dried fruit, vanillin and lactones fully expressed. The big stills give a heavy spirit that takes a long, sherried maturation in its stride. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the rich, malty core over the years. 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.

At 46% it is clean and soft. A rich, full bodied sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft orchard fruit and a rich malt sit behind the cask. It finishes robust, malty and warm. This is a rich, malty Speyside single malt.