Dalmunach 7 Years Old 2016 Cask #981 (The Caskhound)

A Dalmunach of a 7 year old chosen by the independent Caskhound, distilled in 2016, from cask 981, bottled at 57.4%, one of 255 bottles. Dalmunach is a striking new Speyside distillery on the banks of the Spey, named for a pool in the river. The distillery sits at Carron, in the heart of Speyside on the Spey.

Worked through the distillery's eight stills for a fruity, light spirit, to build a fruity, grassy character. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the oak letting the clean, fresh character lead. In its extractive youth the cask lends vanillin vanilla and lactone coconut to a bright, clean spirit. Independent bottlers have been quick to release young single casks of this new distillery. The clean, fruity make takes a sherry or wine cask especially well at a young age. It is a young distillery, so most bottlings are independent single casks of modest age. The fresh, fruity make is a model of the new Speyside style.

Bottled at a cask strength 57.4%, it is rich. Green apple, citrus and a soft vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A clean citrus and a soft oak give it lift. The finish is clean, bright and fruity. This is a fresh Speyside malt of the new generation.