Dailuaine 8 Years Old 2007 Cask #312447 – 312450 (James Eadie)

From the revived blender James Eadie, an 8 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 2007, from cask 312447-312450, bottled at 46%, one of 1373 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.

Distilled for the heavy, full bodied spirit Dailuaine is known for, for the rich, full bodied make Dailuaine is known for. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding vanilla and a soft honey. Young and extractive, the cask sheds vanillin (vanilla) and toasted sugars (light caramel) over the heavy spirit. Maturation in the cool north east keeps the rich spirit balanced over the years. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the meaty malt. Most Dailuaine goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. A fire in 1917 destroyed the maltings, and the distillery was rebuilt soon after.

At 46% it is clean and soft. Baked fruit, fig and a savoury depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked fruit and a warm spice lift it. The finish runs meaty, fruity and warm. This is one of Speyside's heavier single malts.