Dallas Dhu 21 Years Old 1982 Cask #691 (Signatory)

This Dallas Dhu was bottled by the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 21 year old, distilled in 1982, from cask 691, bottled at 43%, one of 309 bottles. Dallas Dhu, a lost Speyside distillery south of Forres, fell silent in 1983. It passed to Benmore Distilleries and then to DCL by 1929, and was modernised over the years.

The spirit was distilled for a malty, fruity Speyside spirit, for a fruity, oily make of real depth. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the malty, oily character lead. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, structured grip. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the oily malt. Rather than demolish it, Historic Scotland preserved it whole, opening it to the public in 1988. It was built in 1898 by the entrepreneur Alexander Edward, who first named it Dallasmore. No more was made after 1983, though the distillery still stands as a museum.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded. Orchard fruit, honey and a faint smoke, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked apple and a soft toffee lift it. A malty, honeyed finish ends on apple and toffee. This is the fruity ghost of Dallas Dhu.