Dailuaine 2012/2022 #308764 - Signatory Vintage
The Dailuaine 2012/2022 #308764 from Signatory Vintage, bottled exclusively for Kirsch Import, was bottled at 59.20% and matured for 9 years. The Speyside distillery Dailuaine has positively surprised us in recent years. This time too?
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first flavours are reminiscent of malt sweets and cream caramel, followed by sweet blossom honey. Exotic fruit notes such as plantain and papaya add an extra dimension, which is rounded off by a light vanilla sugar note. Despite this tantalising sweetness, the whisky is already slightly demanding and unpleasant on the nose.
Palate
On the palate, the Dailuaine develops a sugary sweetness accompanied by an oily texture. The flavours wet the mouth and continue to develop intensively. However, the distinct ethanol sharpness makes the flavour somewhat rough. Fresh wood and creamy caramel again characterise the taste, while an unripe mango provides a fresh but unripe contrast.
Finish
The finish is surprisingly short. It remains juicy and is dominated by fresh oak, which is accompanied by a pleasant vanilla note. However, the brilliance that one might expect from a single cask in this category is also absent here.
Thoughts
Marcel 69/100
This Dailuaine 2012/2022 #308764 is a wild daredevil in the glass, scoring with sweet fruit notes and a hefty dose of ethanol – though it’s a bit too rough around the edges for my taste. Those who enjoy an exciting, if not entirely polished whisky story might still have fun with it, but I’d personally reach for something a bit smoother.
Sascha 69/100
The Dailuaine 2012/2022 comes across as structurally unbalanced, with a dominant ethanol sharpness that overshadows the otherwise present sweet fruit notes and malty depth. For fans of powerful yet somewhat undeveloped Speyside whiskies, it offers an interesting, albeit not completely harmonious, experience.
Value for Money: Fair
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84/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Dailuaine 2012/2022 taste somewhat sharp despite its 9 years of maturation?
The high alcohol content of 59.2% ABV results in a pronounced ethanol sharpness that makes the flavor seem rougher. Additionally, the relatively short maturation period of 9 years can lead to less balanced aromas and a certain rawness in this whisky.
What role does the Dailuaine distillery play in the Speyside region and how is that reflected in the whisky?
Dailuaine is an established distillery in Speyside, often known for its malty and fruity whiskies. This whisky displays typical Speyside notes such as malted candies, honey, and vanilla, combined with exotic fruit nuances, reflecting the regional style.
What distinguishes an independent bottling like this one from Signatory Vintage from official distillery releases?
Independent bottlers like Signatory Vintage select individual casks and often bottle them at cask strength without further processing. This results in unique and often more intense flavor profiles that can differ significantly from official distillery releases.