Dailuaine 23 Years Old 2002 Cask #29 (Whisky AGE)

A Dailuaine of a 23 year old chosen by the bottler Whisky AGE, distilled in 2002, from cask 29, bottled at 57%, one of 211 bottles. Dailuaine was founded in 1852 by William Mackenzie, and was the first distillery to wear the pagoda roof. A fire in 1917 destroyed the maltings, and the distillery was rebuilt soon after.

It was made in large copper stills for a rich, robust make, to build a robust, malty, sherry loving character. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla over the robust spirit. In the oxidative, evaporative years concentration brings dried fruit, fig and a savoury depth over a rich malt. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the heavy malt deepening. Refill oak lets the robust Dailuaine character lead, malt and dried fruit beneath. Long ageing turns the fresh fruit towards dried fruit, fig, leather and a warm spice. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the meaty malt.

At its natural 57% it is concentrated. A rich, full bodied sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is full and rich, the fruit lifted by a meaty malt. The finish runs meaty, fruity and warm. This is the rich, full bodied Speyside malt of Dailuaine.