Daftmill Summer Batch Release 12 Years Old 2011

Daftmill from the distillery, a 12 year old, from 2011, at 46%, 6550 bottles in all. Daftmill is a seasonal farm distillery, distilling only in the quiet weeks between sowing and harvest. The distillery runs only seasonally, in the quiet weeks of summer and winter between sowing and harvest.

The spirit was made in copper stills from the farm's own barley, 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. The light, elegant spirit takes cask flavour gently while keeping its grass and citrus. The cool Lowland air gives a slow, even maturation in the farm dunnage warehouse. The farm steading dates to the 18th century, the distillery built quietly into its old buildings. Long ageing turns the fresh lemon towards honey, apple and a soft spice.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. Lemon, pear and a soft malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Lemon, pear and a soft honey fill the middle. It finishes light, fresh and floral. This is Daftmill, the cult farm distillery of Fife.