Daftmill Single Cask 13 Years Old 2011

Daftmill from the distillery, a 13 year old, from 2011, cask 047/2011, at 58.6%, 136 bottles in all. Daftmill is an elegant, restrained Lowland single malt of real finesse. The patient, restrained approach has made Daftmill one of the most sought after of the new distilleries.

Distilled in a single pair of onion shaped stills on farm well water, for a refined, citrussy spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle oak letting the delicate, fruity character lead. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into vanilla as ethyl esters lend a riper green apple and pear. Maturation in the gentle Fife climate keeps the spirit fresh and floral. Maturation is mostly in ex-Bourbon casks, with a little sherry, in a dunnage warehouse on the farm. Each release is small and quickly allocated, prized by collectors of the new wave of Scotch. The onion shaped stills give a light spirit that ages with grace.

Bottled at a cask strength 58.6%, it is rich. Lemon, pear and a soft malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A grassy citrus and a soft oak give it lift. The finish is light, fruity and clean. This is a clean, fruity Lowland single malt.