Dailuaine 1995 12 Year Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

This initial sample for our sixth trade exchange comes from the Dailuaine distillery in Speyside. Gaelic for “green valley,” this expression is from independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, part of their Connoisseurs Choice selection, and is 12 years old. Bottled at 43% ABV, it was distilled in 1995. The distillery commenced operations in 1852, established by a local farmer and banker in Aberlour. In the late 1890s, it joined forces with Talisker before being acquired by a consortium including James Dewar, John Walker, and James Buchanan & sons. It is presently owned by United Distillers, with only 2% of its annual 3.3 million liters production designated for single malts; the remainder is used in Johnnie Walker blends. The bottle indicates maturation solely in oak casks, with no further details available. Based on the flavor profile, I suspect ex-bourbon casks were used. It presents a champagne gold hue in the glass, exhibiting thick, oily legs. The aroma is predominantly faint oak, vanilla, and subtle floral notes. After some aeration, hints of raisin and simple sugar emerged. There is no perceptible heat. The taste mirrors the aroma, featuring florals, malted barley, vanilla, and oak. It possesses an oily mouthfeel without any harshness, quite commendable given its age. It's agreeably pleasant. The finish is of medium duration, gradually becoming drier. In summary, it's a typical Speysider with bourbon characteristics. Additional warmth might have detracted from it, yet there's nothing exceptionally exciting either. Bottles of this are not commonly found, lending it a degree of rarity, perhaps. However, it's not compelling enough to actively seek out or spend over $50 for. I paid $78 to secure a sample for our group's objective of tasting a single malt from every active Scottish distillery. I cannot endorse pursuing this bottling – let Johnnie Walker keep them. Rated 3 stars. Salud.

Stop 86 on the SDT is Dailuaine. Another Speyside distillery that is not widely known, brought to attention by a fellow member and the SDT group. Since official bottlings are rare, this sample is from a 12-year-old independent release by Gordon and MacPhail. Distilled in 1995, bottled at 43% ABV, and it appears to be its natural color, a pale straw. Given the 43% ABV, I suspect it's chill filtered. The nose offers ample honey, hay, and grass. Even at 43%, there's a slight alcohol bite on first impression. It has light fruits like apricots, green grapes, oranges, plums, and very subtle raisins. There are faint notes of cinnamon and allspice. A touch of earthiness and just the slightest hint of smoke. The oak is mild, likely ex-bourbon, with a malty and brown sugar sweetness. Vanilla and coconut notes are present, along with a mineral undertone. Overall, it's quite delicate. The palate begins with some pepper, earthiness, and what might be very light peat. It features orchard and tropical fruits such as apricots, mangos, oranges, and raisins. There's astringent oak, a faint metallic note, and some bitter almonds. A medium-light body with a slightly oily and dry texture. The finish is medium in length, with slightly bitter oak, earthy notes, and fruitiness, all very subtle. As a side note, I took the last small amount I had, added water and a small ice cube. After letting it sit and checking for any haze, I found none, further indicating it's chill filtered. While I wouldn't call this a bad scotch, it's certainly not a good one either. At $78, it's rather pricey for a 12-year-old Speysider with light, generic flavors. Thanks for the sample, but it's time to move on. 3 stars Cheers

Day 2 of temporary bachelorhood. Wife is visiting some friends. Sports, music, beef, whisky and wine sums up the weekend (throw is some work and house and auto maintenance too). Another sample for a day long ago from a friend from our now defunct SDT (will there be an SDT2?) Taking it in on the nose, apples, apricots, honey are the forward notes. Some Concord grapes (Welch’s Jam) with a dash of cinnamon arrive as the dram begins to open. It is all encased in vanilla and toasted marshmallow sweetness. There is maltiness that weaves about. Quite a nose. The palate accepts a light and sugary whisky. White sugar, vanilla and honey in a thin, lightweight body. The sugary sweetness slowly turns spicy with white pepper and cinnamon (partially Red Hots, partially ground spice). A gentle earthiness forms towards the fade. What remains on the the palate for a fair length is drying oak tannins, lemon oil and ginger root. If I could embody the nose into a palatable entity, this would be a semi-solid dram. The thinness of the body and the briefness of the palate prevents this from being prevents it from being so. Sweet, dry and spicy describes this in three little words. [Tasted: 10/7/18][84/100]

Another one finished on our SDT journey, round six of seven (one more round, then a deep cleanse involving green tea and milk thistle). This one was provided by a friend. There's nothing special about this one... just some honey and hay. For $70, why would anyone purchase this when it offers only mild honey and hay notes? You can find superior flavors in a Balvenie 12 for less. This should not be presented as a single malt. Acknowledge it and move on.

You really have to dig deep on this one. The nose is very subtle with white grapes, pears, ginger, vanilla, and gumdrops. The palate brings caramel, mocha, powdered sugar, corn syrup, and salted pretzels. The finish is a little too short and dry for my taste though. Might not be a jaw dropper, but the solid palate brings it to a 3.25. The theme of this dram is "Dig for Fire" by The Pixies. Thanks so much for the sample from a friend.