Dailuaine 12 Years Old 2005 (SMWS 41.103)

From the bottler Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a 12 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 2005, from cask 41.103, bottled at 60%, one of 198 bottles. Dailuaine, founded in 1852, gave Scotch its first pagoda roofed kiln. Its big stills give a heavy, full bodied spirit that takes sherry wood especially well.

The spirit was distilled for the heavy, full bodied spirit Dailuaine is known for, for a big, full Speyside spirit. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the rich character to the fore. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the malt, fruit deepening to dried fruit. Maturation in the cool north east keeps the rich spirit balanced over the years. It had its own railway siding and a little locomotive, Dailuaine No.1, known as the Puggy. The big stills give a heavy spirit that takes a long, sherried maturation in its stride. Long ageing turns the fresh fruit towards dried fruit, fig, leather and a warm spice.

At its natural 60% it is concentrated. A robust, sherried maltiness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a malty depth give it weight. It finishes robust, malty and warm. This is a rich, dried fruit laden Speyside single malt.