Dailuaine 24 Years Old 1997 Cask #7764 + 7765 (Signatory)

From the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 24 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 1997, from cask 7764 + 7765, bottled at 57.6%, one of 422 bottles. Dailuaine is a Diageo Speyside distillery, its robust malt the backbone of many a blend. Water comes from the Bailliemullich Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills.

Made in large copper stills for a rich, robust make, giving the heavy, meaty spirit at its heart. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, vanilla and a soft honey behind the rich malt. Through the evaporative decades the spirit concentrates, esters folding into dried fruit, leather and a warm spice. The full bodied make rewards a long, patient maturation in good wood. Dailuaine's heavy, malty make is prized by blenders for the body it gives. Most Dailuaine goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt.

Bottled at a cask strength 57.6%, it is rich. Dried fruit, malt and a rich, savoury depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Dried fruit, malt and a savoury spice fill the middle. The finish runs meaty, fruity and warm. This is Dailuaine, a backbone of the great blends.