Dailuaine 25 Years Old 1997 Cask #7249 + 7250 (Signatory)

From the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 25 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 1997, from cask 7249 + 7250, bottled at 48.2%, one of 397 bottles. Dailuaine is a heavy, fruity Speyside single malt from near Aberlour. Single malt Dailuaine is rare as an official bottling, so most come from independents.

Distilled for the heavy, full bodied spirit Dailuaine is known for, for the rich, full bodied make Dailuaine is known for. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the rich character to the fore. In the oxidative, evaporative years concentration brings dried fruit, fig and a savoury depth over a rich malt. A first fill sherry cask suits the robust spirit, dried fruit meeting the meaty weight. Years in oak round the spirit, the fruit deepening to dried fruit and a savoury spice. Its rich, robust malt has long been a backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends. Long ageing turns the fresh fruit towards dried fruit, fig, leather and a warm spice.

Bottled at a cask strength 48.2%, it is rich. Baked fruit, fig and a savoury depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a malty depth give it weight. The finish is long, rich and savoury. This is a rich, malty Speyside single malt.