Dalmunach 8 Years Old 2016 (Phil & Simon Thompson)

From the Thompson Brothers of Dornoch, an 8 year old Dalmunach, distilled in 2016, bottled at 49.1%, one of 340 bottles. Dalmunach is a fruity, light Speyside malt, its spirit largely destined for the Chivas Regal blend. It is one of the largest and most efficient malt distilleries in Scotland, with a heat recovery system.

It was made in modern copper stills for a clean, fresh make, for the light, fruity make Dalmunach is known for. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, vanilla and a soft honey behind the fruity spirit. Young and extractive, the cask sheds vanillin (vanilla) and toasted sugars (light caramel) into the fresh make, the spirit still vibrant. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation in the warehouses by the Spey. Years in oak round the young spirit, the fruit deepening to honey and orchard fruit. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the light, fresh spirit.

At its natural 49.1% it is concentrated. Apple, lemon and a clean malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a clean body. Apple, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a bright, fruity Speyside single malt.