Dailuaine 19 Years Old 1963 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A Dailuaine of a 19 year old chosen by 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 passed to DCL and Scottish Malt Distillers in the 1920s and was later modernised.

It was made in large copper stills for a rich, robust make, giving the heavy, meaty spirit at its heart. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the oak letting the heavy, malty character lead. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, savoury grip. A first fill sherry cask suits the robust spirit, dried fruit meeting the meaty weight. The rich, full bodied spirit takes cask flavour well, especially sherry wood. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the meaty malt. The distillery was founded in 1852 by William Mackenzie on the banks of the Spey at Carron.

At an approachable 40% it is soft and easy. Apple, dried fruit and a meaty edge, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run dried fruit, malt and a savoury edge. The finish is long, rich and savoury. This is the robust, sherried malt of Carron.