Dailuaine 20 Years Old 1997 Cask #7220 + 7221 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Dailuaine, a 20 year old, distilled in 1997, from cask 7220 + 7221, bottled at 46%. Dailuaine, whose name is Gaelic for the green vale, is a heavy, full bodied Speysider. Its big stills give a heavy, full bodied spirit that takes sherry wood especially well.

Distilled for the heavy, full bodied spirit Dailuaine is known for, to build a robust, malty, sherry loving character. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding vanilla and a soft honey. In the oxidative middle years oxidation draws out a deeper dried fruit, vanillin and lactones fully expressed. Most Dailuaine goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. 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. Single malt Dailuaine is rare as an official bottling, so most come from independents.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. Orchard fruit, malt and a warm spice, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a malty depth give it weight. The finish runs meaty, fruity and warm. This is one of Speyside's heavier single malts.