This is my first experience with Dailuaine, and it’s quite a unique one. A Speyside distillery that’s been running off and on since 1852, nearly all of Dailuaine’s production ends up in Johnnie Walker blends. A rarity in the Diageo Special Releases, this 34 year old bottling (aged fully in ex-American oak casks) is the oldest official release of Dailuaine ever — by 12 years! — and the first time since 2009 that any official single malt has come from the distillery.

At over three decades in cask and two grand out of pocket, this better be a good whisky, no?

I’m happy to report that it is. The nose is dusty, deep, and rich, both woody and coal-fired, with notes of dark brown sugar and lightly vegetal overtones. The palate loads up from there, featuring notes of candied nuts, some menthol, clove-studded clementines, and a touch of floral character on the finish — rose petals, predominantly. The finish is quite warming, though it isn’t particularly high in alcohol, those fruity citrus notes giving it a bit of a hot cider character on the back end. The whisky lingers for the long haul, showcasing a melange of flavors that work together harmoniously.

This is one I kept going back to, a unique whisky that has tons of depth to explore.

101.8 proof. 700 bottles produced.

A- / $2000 / malts.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

Dailuaine 34 Years Old Limited Edition 2015

$2000

9

Rating

9.0/10

BUY IT NOW

About Post Author

Christopher Null

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

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