Dailuaine 12 Years Old 2009 Cask #786 (Elixir)

From Sukhinder Singh's Elixir Distillers, a 12 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 2009, from cask 786, bottled at 55.8%. Dailuaine, founded in 1852, gave Scotch its first pagoda roofed kiln. In 1889 it became the first distillery to use the pagoda roof, the Doig Ventilator designed by Charles Doig.

The spirit was distilled for the heavy, full bodied spirit Dailuaine is known for, for a rich, meaty make that suits sherry wood. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, vanilla and a soft honey behind the rich malt. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the heavy body fuller and richer. Dailuaine's heavy, malty make is prized by blenders for the body it gives. Most of its make goes to blending, with a Flora and Fauna sixteen year old the regular single malt. Most Dailuaine goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt.

At a hearty 55.8% it carries real weight. Dried fruit, malt and a rich, savoury depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is robust and fruity, the full bodied spirit shining through. A long, full finish carries a savoury depth. This is a rich, dried fruit laden Speyside single malt.