Dailuaine 15 Years Old 1995 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A Dailuaine of a 15 year old chosen by the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, distilled in 1995, bottled at 43%. Dailuaine, founded in 1852, gave Scotch its first pagoda roofed kiln. The distillery was founded in 1852 by William Mackenzie on the banks of the Spey at Carron.

It was distilled for the heavy, full bodied spirit Dailuaine is known for, for a big, full Speyside spirit. A sherry cask wrapped the rich spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth, a fine match for the heavy malt. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, fruit turning to dried fruit over a rich, malty body. Refill oak lets the robust Dailuaine character lead, malt and dried fruit beneath. It had its own railway siding and a little locomotive, Dailuaine No.1, known as the Puggy. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the heavy malt deepening. Single malt Dailuaine is rare as an official bottling, so most come from independents.

At 43% it is smooth and honeyed. A robust, sherried maltiness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The mouthfeel is heavy, the fruit carried on a meaty, malty body. The finish is deep, rich and savoury. This is Dailuaine, a backbone of the great blends.