Although some of the most expensive Special Releases (Brora, Port Ellen, Clynelish) are still easily found in stores, this Dailuaine 34 Years 1980 seems to have sold quite well. It may be a less exciting distillery but it received some raving comments. It’s the first official bottling in years.
Dailuaine 34 yo 1980
(50,9%, OB 2015, Special Releases, refill American oak, 2952 btl.)
Nose: reminded me of some 1972 Caperdonich, in a slightly less warm way. It shares the combination of fruity notes (apricots, yellow plums), waxy notes, honey and polished oak. A little vanilla and almond cream. This one has a more feisty and meaty profile though, with a little smoke, zesty citrus and ginger. Eucalyptus too.
Mouth: very rich and creamy, with a slightly tropical fruitiness. Papaya, tangerine. Also plums and a little vanilla cake. Honey. Then some marmalade, light tobacco and chocolate. Pepper and ginger again, as well as some mentholated notes.
Finish: long, quite a bit drier and more leathery, with Seville orange and charred oak.
Great whisky. It has some excellent fruity and waxy notes, but in a bulkier, feistier way. An interesting result. Around € 500, a good choice among the more expensive bottles this year.
Score: 91/100