Dailuaine 31 Years Old 1989 (Phil & Simon Thompson)

A 31 year old Dailuaine from the bottler Phil & Simon Thompson, distilled in 1989, bottled at 49.8%, one of 117 bottles. Dailuaine is a heavy, fruity Speyside single malt from near Aberlour. The distillery was founded in 1852 by William Mackenzie on the banks of the Spey at Carron.

Run through the distillery's big copper stills, building the heavy Dailuaine style. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, vanilla and a soft honey behind the rich malt. In its ethereal years the malt is deep and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, spice). Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the meaty malt. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the rich, malty core over the years. A fire in 1917 destroyed the maltings, and the distillery was rebuilt soon after. Its rich, robust malt has long been a backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends.

At a hearty 49.8% it carries real weight. Malt, dried fruit and a rich spice, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked fruit and a warm spice lift it. The close is long, fruit over a rich malt. This is the rich, full bodied Speyside malt of Dailuaine.