Dailuaine 16 Years Old 2008 Cask #1 (Signatory)

From the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 16 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 2008, from cask 1, bottled at 56.8%, one of 671 bottles. Dailuaine is a Diageo Speyside distillery, its robust malt the backbone of many a blend. A fire in 1917 destroyed the maltings, and the distillery was rebuilt soon after.

The spirit was distilled in large conical necked stills on Bailliemullich Burn water, for a big, full Speyside spirit. Ex-Sherry wood added a deep dried fruit richness to the full bodied malt. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (apple and dried fruit) over the meaty, malty depth. Refill oak lets the robust Dailuaine character lead, malt and dried fruit beneath. It sits near Aberlour, in the heart of Speyside by the River Spey. Maturation in the cool north east keeps the rich spirit balanced over the years.

At its natural 56.8% it is concentrated. Apple, dried fruit and a meaty edge, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A baked fruit and a warm spice lift it. Dried fruit, malt and a savoury oak see out the finish. This is one of Speyside's heavier single malts.