Decade old Dailuaine from a refill ex-bourbon barrel. Spicy & Dry profile.
Nose: Rather expressive with plenty of coffee beans, bourbon biscuits, dark chocolate and sunflower oil. Running throughout – lemons (well, one would hope from the bottle name) and some savoury water crackers. Water really heightens the citrus here with preserved lemons and zesty peels alongside buttery crumble mix and French meringue.
Taste: The arrival immediately reinforces the natural weight of the Dailuaine spirit – it’s waxy and full with plenty of mouth cling. Lemons (and limes) present first – tangy, but sweet – alongside chocolate covered biscuits, apricot flans and pastry cases. Reduction adds some juicy tinned stone fruits as well as interesting brassy and chalky flavours/textures.
Finish: Medium with delicate pepper spice, coconut cream and vanilla.
There’s a lovely weight and texture to this Dailuaine and a good balance between fruits and biscuits. Though not quite as lemon-forward as the name might suggest, nevertheless this is a very tasty drop. Joint recommendation of the month.