Dailuaine 13 Years Old 2007 Specially bottled for shops (Hidden Spirits)

From the bottler Hidden Spirits, a 13 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 2007, bottled at 46%, one of 93 bottles. Dailuaine is a Diageo Speyside distillery, its robust malt the backbone of many a blend. The distillery was founded in 1852 by William Mackenzie on the banks of the Spey at Carron.

It was distilled in large conical necked stills on Bailliemullich Burn water, for a rich, meaty make that suits sherry wood. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding vanilla and a soft honey. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the malt, fruit deepening to dried fruit. Most Dailuaine goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. The full bodied make rewards a long, patient maturation in good wood. It had its own railway siding and a little locomotive, Dailuaine No.1, known as the Puggy.

At 46% it is gentle, sweet and fruity. Orchard fruit, malt and a warm spice, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Dried fruit, malt and a savoury spice fill the middle. Dried fruit, malt and a savoury oak see out the finish. This is the rich, full bodied Speyside malt of Dailuaine.