Dailuaine 18 Years Old 1963 (Connoisseurs Choice)

An 18 year old Dailuaine from the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, distilled in 1963, bottled at 40%. Dailuaine is the rich, malty Speyside single malt that helped build the Johnnie Walker blends. It sits near Aberlour, in the heart of Speyside by the River Spey.

Made in large copper stills for a rich, robust make, to build a robust, malty, sherry loving character. A bourbon barrel held it, vanilla and a soft spice over the malty spirit. In the oxidative middle years oxidation draws out a deeper dried fruit, vanillin and lactones fully expressed. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the heavy malt deepening. The name is Gaelic for the green vale, after the hollow in which the distillery sits. Single malt Dailuaine is rare as an official bottling, so most come from independents. Maturation in the cool north east keeps the rich spirit balanced over the years.

At 40% it is gentle, sweet and fruity. Dried fruit, malt and a rich, savoury depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is full and rich, the fruit lifted by a meaty malt. The finish is deep, rich and savoury. This is a rich, malty Speyside single malt.