This week's first Dailuaine came from a refill bourbon barrel. The second comes from a refill sherry butt. They're of a similar age and vintage, so I tasted them side-by-side. SMWS versus D. Laing. Barrel versus butt.
Distillery: DailuaineOwnership: Diageo
Alcohol by Volume: 57.6%
NEAT
The nose starts off with a mix of toffee, raw nuts, ocean and a hint of smoke. Citron, baked apple with cinnamon and the anticipated flower blossom touch fill the mid- and background. Notes of golden raisins and toasted oak build with time. Fudge, golden raisins and dried blueberries rule the palate, with black raisins and dried currants lingering beneath. It finishes with a blend of dried currants and golden raisins. Hints of salt and prunes appear later on.
DILUTED to ~46%abv, or 1½ tsp of water per 30mL whisky
Baked apples and fresh apple peels meet with hay and golden raisins in the rustic nose. The palate picks up more bitterness and more honey. Maybe some tart citrus too. Good mouthfeel. It gets a bit sour and peppery on the finish, with some bright lemons in the background.
WORDS WORDS WORDS
Though the 10yo SMWS and this 12yo OP are close in quality, and I can see how one could rate the 12 higher, I enjoyed the crisp, fruity and floral 10 more. That one held closer to the bright spirit, while this one has more oomph and age to it. For a rosier take on this 12, please see the review by K&L's most boisterous enthusiast, Mr. Opinions himself.
Availability - Sold outPricing - $65 upon release
Rating - 83
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