Dailuaine 17 Year Old 1996 Highland Laird

Dailuaine is rather unknown as a single malt as 98% of the production disappears in the parent company Diageo’s blends. More’s the pity as Dailuaine can actually be quite good. The one I try today is brought to the market under the Highland Laird label. Nice anecdote: Dailuaine was the first Scottish distillery to get the typical pagoda roof by architect Charles Doig on their kiln.

The nose is fruity, but also quite dusty. Banana, peach, Granny Smith apples, grasses, buttercups and hay. Underneath I get a lot of toffee, nuts, nougat. Camphor and cinnamon. Every time I put my nose in the glass, the aromas seem shaken around. Good start.

The body is somewhat weak, though. But the taste is fine. More than fine. Loads of apple, lime juice, grapefruit and peppers and ginger. It tingles on the palate. Very much alive. Midpalate some vanilla kicks in, as does more citrus and liquorice.

The finish is quite nice too: medium long, warm and somewhat sweet and sour at the death.

Lovely Dailuaine. Unknown, unloved – it is true. But you should give this one a try. Recommended.

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