Daftmill Single Cask 13 Years Old 2006 (56%)

An official release of Daftmill, a 13 year old, from 2006, cask 044/2006, at 56%, 231 bottles in all. Daftmill is a light, floral Lowland single malt made from the farm's own barley. The distillery runs only seasonally, in the quiet weeks of summer and winter between sowing and harvest.

The spirit was distilled in a single pair of onion shaped stills on farm well water, for a light, floral make of real finesse. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the light character to the fore. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the delicate body fuller and softer. The light, elegant spirit takes cask flavour gently while keeping its grass and citrus. Each release is small and quickly allocated, prized by collectors of the new wave of Scotch. It was founded in 2005 by brothers Francis and Ian Cuthbert, on their working farm at Cupar in Fife.

At a natural 56% it is full and honeyed. Apple, honey and a floral lift, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is delicate and fruity, the elegant spirit shining through. The finish is light, fruity and clean. This is Daftmill's delicate, floral Lowland style.