Dailuaine 17 Years Old 1997 Cask #7177 + 7178 (Signatory)

A 17 year old Dailuaine from the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, distilled in 1997, from cask 7177 + 7178, bottled at 46%. Dailuaine was founded in 1852 by William Mackenzie, and was the first distillery to wear the pagoda roof. Water comes from the Bailliemullich Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills.

The spirit was run through the distillery's big copper stills, for the rich, full bodied make Dailuaine is known for. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the rich character to the fore. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, savoury grip. Long ageing turns the fresh fruit towards dried fruit, fig, leather and a warm spice. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the rich, malty core over the years. In 1889 it became the first distillery to use the pagoda roof, the Doig Ventilator designed by Charles Doig.

At 46% it is smooth and honeyed. A heavy, malty fruitiness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is robust and fruity, the full bodied spirit shining through. The close is long, fruit over a rich malt. This is a rich, dried fruit laden Speyside single malt.