Cadenhead's Dailuaine-glenlivet 2008 14 Year

Cask Number(s): N/A
Date of Distilling: 2008
Date of Bottling: 2023
Matured In: Initially Ex Bourbon Oak and then Finished in Ex Oloroso Sherry Oak.
Un-Chillfiltered, No added colour.

The Dailuaine Distillery derives from the Scottish Gaelic ‘An dail uaine’ meaning ‘green valley’. This distilleries whiskies are rarely seen and sought after when they are available. Owners Diageo use the malt from the distillery in blends, mainly Johnnie Walker. Only the best casks make it out to be independently bottled. Available usually at cask strength as a vintage or aged statement. Interestingly, Dailuaine was chosen to fill the void left by Clynelish when it was closed for refurbishment. Expect a heavy meaty malt whisky with cereals and plenty of fruity components.

Scotch Whisky is known the world-over by the Brand names of large blending companies. These blends are the mixture of the products of various distilleries which were originally independent family owned units. Until the middle of the 20th century there were many small firms that bottled and sold the pure product of the local distilleries. Since Victorian times the firm of William Cadenhead has provided this service.However a diminution of public interest caused the small bottling companies to close down. Only a small handful of distilleries still remain in the ownership of their founding families and even fewer of the bottling companies remain active, William Cadenhead is one of the notable survivors.

This independent bottle by Cadenhead has been initially matured in ex Bourbon oak and then finished in Oloroso Sherry casks. How long was it in the Oloroso Sherry casks for? Reports have shown that the Oloroso Sherry casks were filled in November 2010. Matured for 14 years and no less and bottled at 46% Alc/Vol. There’s been no chill-filtration and no added colouring.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Freshly made toffee apples, sultanas and raisins, furniture polish, hints of delicatessen meats and old cigar boxes.

Palate: Initially there’s red fruits and oak spice. Vanilla fudge and espresso with Cherry Ripe notes and cinnamon.

Finish: Medium to long, the finish holds a sort of cereal style with intense coffee bean notes and Christmas cake spices.