Possibly one the most uninsiringly dull SMWS bottle names out there – hopefully the liquid is a bit more stimulating – an 11 year old Dailuaine matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel. Spicy & Dry profile.
Nose: A highly welcoming medley of orchard fruits (apples and pears) and floralness – violets and pansies – sit along alongside Hubba Bubba bubble gum, and orange marmalade and zesty lemon. Water unlocks cookie dough, golden tobacco and a hint of leather armchair. Straight-forward but certainly effective.
Taste: Well defined fruitiness (apples, pears, tinned apricot and hedgerow berries) are followed by more intense stewed fruitiness – plums, damsons and plumped up prunes. The mid palate delivers a combination of a restaurant’s pastry section (brioche and chocolate filled choux buns) as well as some underlying earthy/leafiness – mossy undergrowth, spring greens and peppers. Reduction adds some woodiness into the palate – slightly drying. Alongside tarter fruit elements – citrus and rhubarb.
Finish: Medium, slightly pepper, slightly sour and with a touch of steeliness.
Amusingly, this Dailuaine is seemingly well-named, seeing as it does deliver both defined fruits and spiciness. Indeed, is well-composed, well-behaved and very easy to recommend as a very pleasant sipper.