Dallas Dhu 16 Years Old 1971 (Sestante)

From the Italian bottler Sestante, a 16 year old Dallas Dhu, distilled in 1971, bottled at 40%. Dallas Dhu is the best preserved of the lost distilleries, a Victorian whisky museum frozen in time. The Glasgow blenders Wright and Greig bought it before it opened, for their Roderick Dhu blend, and gave it the name Dallas Dhu.

The spirit was made in copper pot stills before the distillery closed, to build a fruity, honeyed Speyside character. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, vanilla and honey behind the fruity malt. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, structured grip. Years in oak round the spirit, the fruit deepening to dried fruit, honey and toffee. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation in the dunnage warehouses by Forres. Dallas Dhu is the best preserved of the lost distilleries, kept whole as a museum. Closed in 1983, it was preserved whole rather than demolished, its profile fixed for good.

At 40% it is gentle, creamy and fruity. Apple, toffee and a malty oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft orchard fruit and a honeyed malt sit behind the cask. The finish is deep, malty and honeyed. This is an oily, honeyed Speyside single malt.