Dailuaine 1997 / Managers' Choice / Sherry Cask

Colour:  Antique gold; polished phosphor bronze.

Nose:  Fat. Immediate oaked chardonnay notes are balanced by big, soft, treacly, wodges of gingery Yorkshire Parkin. Later, slices of buttered malt loaf spread with honey and marmalade. Water reveals huge depth; Muscat notes of honey, buttery-vanilla and tropical fruits are complimented by cleansing wood-smoke.

Body:  Very rich; very dense.

Palate:  Warming. Spicy. Soft fig rolls. Medjool dates and smooth dark Swiss chocolate. Cooling and oilier with water: hints of menthol, aniseed and burnt sweet-shortcrust pastry.

Finish:  Smooth and warming. Creamy vanilla notes complement a syrupy ginger pudding spiciness. Later; drying, herbal oak. Lighter and longer with water, and seductive suggestion of Cherry-wood smoked malt.

Comment:  Instantly comforting, it is extremely well balanced at cask strength; taking time to reveal the full, indulgent, depth of fruity malt, creamy oak and smoke notes. Water cools, softens and dries. An incredibly pleasing and affirming whisky.