An older expression from highland distillery Dailuaine. This was matured for 27 years in ex-bourbon and then re-racked into a 1st fill PX hogshead for an additional year of finishing. Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits profile.
Nose: A very welcoming mix of apple turnovers that have been cinnamon dusted along with fresh dates and apricots. There’s are hints of Cognac or Eau de vie here given how well defined the stone-fruit elements of this whisky are. Resting amplifies these aromas further adding in peaches, cherries and some vanilla pod. Water adds spice to the fruits, bringing cinnamon and even a hint of menthol. Defined but relaxed. A good nose.
Taste: Great texture and weight make for a very mouth filling arrival. Sappy wood, polish, and varnish are joined by other mature flavours – leather and tobacco. Our apricots are now oven-baked and sugary and are joined by Danish pastries and cinnamon buns. Over time, berries comes to the fore and bring with them vanilla and refined sugars. The addition of water reduces the mouthfeel (boo), and increases the intensity of cask influence – ex-bourbon, rather than PX coming out to play.
Finish: Very long and mixing sweetness with bitterness – cinnamon apples.
A truly lovely Dailuaine that is both tasty and textural. The natural weight of the whisky lends itself well to both longer-aging and additional PX maturation. Both have worked here to my palate. Excellent balance and definition and great flavours always make for delicious whisky and this one. It really is quite hard to put down.