Dailuaine 12yo, Ghost of Clanyard Bay, chapter one from Fable Whiskies

This is likely my first time trying Dailuaine, a Speyside distillery whose spirits I may have encountered frequently in blends. While it has faced unfortunate fires and ownership changes historically, it has been under Diageo's ownership since 1997. This particular dram is part of what I can truthfully call a very good whisky collection, The Ghost Piper from Clanyard Bay, released by independent bottlers "Fable". It presents a pale straw color and is bottled at 54.8% ABV. This 12-year-old expression is from their initial releases (chapter one). The aroma is among the most delightful I've experienced in a Speyside whisky. It offers notes of honey cornflakes, hazelnut cream, and Kinder Bueno, creating a wonderfully sweet scent. There are also hints of Hanuta, light honey, and nougat, along with stewed red apples coated in dulce de leche. Following an initial taste, the dulce de leche note intensifies remarkably. A green apple citrus note emerges, accompanied by an unusual hand soap aroma. The overall scent is incredible, reminiscent of a honey chocolate cream. The palate, while not overly complex, delivers a pleasant experience with notes of hay, honey, and almonds. A second taste reveals hints of sulfur and saltiness. If savored, a very clean apple note and traces of dulce de leche appear, along with sawdust. The third taste returns to hazelnut and honey flavors, followed by a salty sensation. The finish is excellent, with a sulfuric, ashy quality. A concentrated saltiness sensation remarkably tingles your lips. A second sip reveals a very dry, woody finish. This is a very commendable whisky, presenting an ashy, honeyed, substantial dram. Ultimately, I feel compelled to purchase a full bottle of this to keep at home and share with companions. It's a whisky meant for sharing; despite its 54.8% ABV, the alcohol is imperceptible. It's an exceptional dram with an "out of this world" aroma, a standard palate, and a highly satisfying finish. I award this superb experience a score of 91 out of 100.