Dailuaine 21 Years Old 1997 Cask #7258 + 7262 (Signatory)

From the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 21 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 1997, from cask 7258 + 7262, bottled at 43%. Dailuaine is a rich, meaty Speyside single malt from the banks of the Spey near Aberlour. It sits near Aberlour, in the heart of Speyside by the River Spey.

It was worked through the big stills for a meaty, malty spirit, giving the heavy, meaty spirit at its heart. A bourbon barrel held it, vanilla and a soft spice over the malty spirit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, savoury grip. Most Dailuaine goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. Its rich, robust malt has long been a backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends. Years in oak round the spirit, the fruit deepening to dried fruit and a savoury spice. In 1889 it became the first distillery to use the pagoda roof, the Doig Ventilator designed by Charles Doig.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded. Apple, dried fruit and a meaty edge, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is heavy, the fruit carried on a meaty, malty body. The finish runs meaty, fruity and warm. This is Dailuaine, a backbone of the great blends.