Dailuaine 8 Years Old 2012 Concept 8 Release 3 (Global Whisky Limited)

From the bottler Global Whisky Limited, an 8 year old Dailuaine, distilled in 2012, bottled at 40.8%. Dailuaine sits at Carron on the Spey, a big, sherried Speyside malt rarely seen on its own. The distillery was founded in 1852 by William Mackenzie on the banks of the Spey at Carron.

The spirit was run through the distillery's big copper stills, for a rich, meaty make that suits sherry wood. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the oak letting the heavy, malty character lead. 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. The full bodied make rewards a long, patient maturation in good wood. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the rich, malty core over the years. Years in oak round the spirit, the fruit deepening to dried fruit and a savoury spice.

At an approachable 40.8% it is soft and easy. A heavy, malty fruitiness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run dried fruit, malt and a savoury edge. The finish runs meaty, fruity and warm. This is Dailuaine's heavy, meaty Speyside style.