Monday, October 12, 2020

Signatory Dailuaine 12 Year NCF

 


Another interesting independent bottle, this time from Diageo blend monster Dailuaine ("Green valley"), which is traditionally blended into Johnnie Walker. This time it's aged 12 years in a hogshead, bottled at 46% with no filtering and no coloring (indeed, it's a beautiful light straw color). What flavors?

Nose: Closed, at first. Dry and a little sour after it opens a bit - watermelon, unripe pear, brown sugar, baking spices. Cider and green grapes. A third of the way into the bottle hints of marshmallow arises. 

Mouthfeel: Thin, but silky.

Palate: A simple palate: strong brown sugar, watermelon and unripe pear, alcohol bloom, hints of cocoa and pipe tobacco, more green grapes, and strong toasted oak at the end.

Finish: The oak tannins continue with the cocoa/pipe tobacco hints into a medium-length finish.

Verdict: What a curious dram! So much pear, sugars, bitter oak, spices, and a little tobacco. An uncommon mix. Not for everybody, this is balanced a little strangely, but still worth a look for those seeking slightly uncommon scotch experiences, or exploring what whiskies usually consigned to blends might taste like on their own, with a craft presentation. 

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