Dailuaine 12 Years Old 2009 Cask #307385 + 307386 (Signatory)

From the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 12 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 2009, from cask 307385 + 307386, bottled at 46%. Dailuaine, founded in 1852, gave Scotch its first pagoda roofed kiln. It had its own railway siding and a little locomotive, Dailuaine No.1, known as the Puggy.

It was run through the distillery's big copper stills, giving the heavy, meaty spirit at its heart. A bourbon barrel held it, vanilla and a soft spice over the malty spirit. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into vanilla as ethyl esters lend a riper orchard fruit over the meaty malt. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the rich, malty core over the years. Its rich, robust malt has long been a backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends. Single malt Dailuaine is rare as an official bottling, so most come from independents. The big stills give a heavy spirit that takes a long, sherried maturation in its stride.

At 46% it is smooth and honeyed. Apple, dried fruit and a meaty edge, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run dried fruit, malt and a savoury edge. A full, malty finish ends on dried fruit and a warm spice. This is Dailuaine, a backbone of the great blends.