Dailuaine Diageo Special Releases 2015 34 Years Old 1980

This official Dailuaine, a 34 year old, from 1980, at 50.9%, 2952 bottles in all. Dailuaine is a heavy, fruity Speyside single malt from near Aberlour. In 1889 it became the first distillery to use the pagoda roof, the Doig Ventilator designed by Charles Doig.

It was distilled in large conical necked stills on Bailliemullich Burn water, to build a robust, malty, sherry loving character. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla over the robust spirit. At a great, fragile age oxidation rules, sotolon lending maple and old oak as leather and a savoury depth linger. Refill oak lets the robust Dailuaine character lead, malt and dried fruit beneath. Long ageing turns the fresh fruit towards dried fruit, fig, leather and a warm spice. Water comes from the Bailliemullich Burn, the spirit drawn off three wash and three spirit stills. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the rich, malty core over the years.

At its natural 50.9% it is concentrated. A robust, sherried maltiness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a malty depth give it weight. The finish runs meaty, fruity and warm. This is the rich, full bodied Speyside malt of Dailuaine.