The underrated Dailuaine seems to be getting a little more traction by enthusiasts of late – and rightly so, this distillate is something of a go-to for me – for all seasons. Sponge has amalgamated two refill hogsheads of 1997 Dailuaine creating 365 bottles of 48.8% 25 year old goodness. I’m eager to get stuck into this one…
Nose: Warmed croissants and buttery pastry join acacia honey spread over toast and crème patisserie. Spring meadow flowers and Comice pears sit with peach slices, whilst warmed polish reinforces the length of maturation at play here. Dilution offers almond brittle, angelica and orange gel, but does sadly reduce the definition on offer here. Stick at 48.8%.
Taste: Initially I’m reminded of US-style fruit bomb IPA’s with bright floralness underpinned by a soft pillowy texture. Then we’re more obviously into the spirit category with tangy citrus and yellow fruits, perfumed florals, bourbon biscuits and steeped tea-like tannins. There’s weight throughout – a waxiness that’s akin to a combination of sunflower oil and Crayola and joined by some Café latte creaminess. Again adding water doesn’t seem recommendable – whilst the profile is similar, the precision is simply lost.
Finish: Medium to long with coffee cake, fading honey and steeped tea.
This Sponge Dailuaine has been bottled at a perfect ABV and whilst I will remove some marks for its hydrophobic nature, I can’t deny that ‘as is’, the combination of texture and fruit is something that I would happily drink all day long.