Dailuaine with a Clynelish character?

Rumor has it that Dailuaine had a tweaked distilling regime around the turn of the first decade of this century. Clynelish had some work done and with that distillery producing cornerstone malt whisky for many of the Diageo blends, a gap in production had to be filled. The story goes that Dailuaine was chosen to produce the signature waxy style of Clynelish for a certain time. And that even though Dailuaine itself is also one of those important contributors for an array of blends, with its more meaty and sulphury house style. Who replaced the replacement, one might wonder? It is interesting to look into the Diageo stable for all this. Could you categorise them all?

Today we try a Dailuaine from this time, just to check it for ourselves. In the meantime, our good friend over at Maltfascination shared a much older vintage Dailuaine with a group of enthusiasts. We will put this (I expect more classic) Dailuaine on the table as well. Enjoy!

Dailuaine 2011, 11 years old, bottled at 52 % abv by Asta Morris

Makeup: The ultimate Belgian good guy, our dear friend Bert Bruyneel, knows his whisky well. He selected this 2011 Dailuaine and bottled it at 11 years of age in 2022. Cask AM 162 produced 320 bottles that are still widely available via Belgian shops, if we can believe the Whiskybase page.

General impressions: When I just started my discovery of the many whisky available in the world, getting a bourbon matured Dailuaine was not easy. The Flora & Fauna expression has a strong sherry signature, and many single casks were released by numerous independent bottlers. But tasting a more naked Dailuaine is really a treat, and this Asta Morris is no exception. Starts off very fresh on overripe banana and a strong vanilla scent, but then reveals more depth that one indeed could confuse for some Clynelish waxiness. More towards the candles, not overly honeyed. 

Still, there is also a hint of a handful of 1 and 2 euro cents that keeps covering the bottom of my daughter’s piggybank, since we don’t use those coins anymore. Anyway, this scent is for me one of the key elements of Dailuaine, and it is here as well. So, a typical a-typical bottling? Love it.

Taking a sip, the complexity coming from the Dailuaine stills is evident straight away. The creamy vanilla that fills the mouth is just a way to soften the blow of much more challenging flavours. The cask gave it enough of a bitter note to take away youth. On the other hand this is still a feisty youngster, offering green apples, pumpernickel breaded notes, and some bitter fruits, like orange that is a little past its prime.  Unlike this whisky, I must add.

Conclusion: A surprisingly complex and entertaining Dailuaine that can keep you hooked for an evening. The joys of an above average spirit and a very classic cask delivers something that deserves a place in your cabinet. Clynelish Smynelish, this is good whatever way you look at it.

Score: 88 points

Dailuaine 1982, 16 years old, bottled at 55,2 % abv by SMWS

Makeup: No less than 477 bottles were drawn from a Palo Cortado cask, that the Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottled under the number 41.18. Distillation took place in November 1982 and bottling in May 1999.

General impressions: Palo Cortado is not always my favourite type of sherry to let influence a whisky. There is certainly a dangerous edge to this Dailuaine, with strong herbal notes, some vinegar and ultimately sweet, flowery aromas. Very mature and rich. On the palate, you are welcomed with a smooth and rich flavour, soft on the tongue, with lots of wood and dark chocolate with some ripe strawberry at its core. The finish is equally rich and rewarding. The only thing is … it is all a bit underwhelming. For a whisky distilled in the early 1980s I expected some more fireworks, but it all stays rather mundane. Good, mind you, but very straightforward.

But then I dropped in a splash of water. That changes things considerably. The aroma rising from the glass is now reminiscent of an icy cold dunnage warehouse. Damp floor, wet wood, old casks. Close your eyes and you will be there. The taste reveals a much sweeter note by now, which mingles excellently with the woody bitterness I picked up before. The sweetness coats the mouth on its way to the exit, which displays some unexpected smokiness. With some water, this Dailuaine totally redeemed itself.

Conclusion:  A hidden gem, even after putting it in the glass. I would recommend playing with your water jug and find the perfect balance. Then you have something truly classy in your glass.

Score: 88 points

Got a question about these whisky? Or do you just want to say something about it? There is a contactform on the bottom of this page!  

Share this on your social media! - and check mine while you're at it :)