I got this sample quite a while ago and the idea was to review it much earlier, but for some reason it got overwhelmed by other wee bottles on the ‘to sample’ shelf. Unfortunately, for you guys, the bottles are already sold out, but there are some samples left.

Dailuaine is a whisky normally used for blending, but they have been known to put out some great bottles. The more-or-less official Flora & Fauna is also one to get your hands on.

Nose:
The nose of heavy with fruity sherry. There is a spicy undertone of wood, pepper and cloves with some pear and cocoa. After a little while it gets a bit heavier with some leather and hint of bread.

Taste:
Quite dry with a kind of a grainy texture. Spicy and sweet at the same time with some wood for balance. The leather is present here as well.

Finish:
The finish is one big blast of all flavours I got before. I do find some apple peals as well, maybe just a little bit of a metal flavour.

Quite a stunning dram actually. I am usually quite fond of Dailuaines, especially when they’re from sherry casks. The bourbon casks tend to be less special. I like the balance and the flavour complexity of this one and regret not tasting earlier.

Dailuaine 27, 1983, 53.6%, bottled by Master of Malt.

Full disclosure: I got this sample for free from Master of Malt through their ‘Drams for Review’ program. Find the chaps on Twitter and Facebook.