It is not the first time we try Daftmill of course, but it’s getting harder with the current prices. In fact I also tried the 2010 Summer Batch and now I’ve poured a dram of the Daftmill 2011 Summer Batch. This release comes from 27 first-fill bourbon barrels (sourced from Clermont Springs distillery in Kentucky). It is produced from the Publican barley variety.
Daftmill 2011 – Summer Batch Release (46%, OB 2023, 6550 btl.)
Nose: a slightly peculiar yoghurty and fizzy start. Almond milk with rhubarb sharpness, pears and ginger. Porridge with green banana, lemon zest and white floral notes. After a while it grows milder with vanilla, some tropical hints of mango and light coconut.
Mouth: rather oily, with more green and yellow fruits. Pears, green banana, later also peach, nectarine and grapefruit. White pepper and ginger. Then a very light nutty bitterness, along with grassy touches. Lemon zest and a few oak shavings.
Finish: medium length, on ginger, white fruits and whiffs of women’s cream.
The classic bourbonny fruits are overtaken a little by fragrant, floral notes. Typical for the Lowlands, I hear you say, but it gets up to the point where I find it a little disturbing. Overall not a bad whisky, but less pristine than other batches. Sold out in the UK but still rather available in mainland Europe. I got a sample from Whiskysite.nl.