Dailuaine 2006 A Junior Suite At The Cask Resort Cask No. 41.143 (SMWS)

Review #038 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 59.1% Comments: aged 15 years, matured for twelve years in an American Oloroso butt before being transferred to a 1st-fill Spanish oak Oloroso butt for three more years Tasted after: Blair Athol 2008 A Total Wowser! Cask No. 68.78 (SMWS) Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Was unable to observe legs due to an apparent water-repellent coating on the glass I was tasting with. Nose: 17/20 Figs, caramel, blood oranges, and milk chocolate. Palate: 34/40 Honey, raspberry sauce, blackberries, grain cereal, and dark chocolate. Finish: 36/40 A pleasingly long finish. It starts with butter, so much sweet honey butter and cinnamon butter. It then gradually develops subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The bitterness subsides, giving way to more chocolate, but now it's extremely dark, akin to baking cocoa, concluding with what I can only describe as an ashy/charcoal sensation. With Water: A drop of water enhances the palate's sweetness and adds saltiness to the finish. Total: 87/100 Final thoughts: Juicy and delightful, likely the best Dailuaine I have sampled to date, and the first where I have detected any hint of smoke or charring. Many thanks to my brother for the sample. Price: gifted sample Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.