Daftmill 2007 (12 year old) Winter Batch Release 46%
First Fill Bourbon casks 023, 024, 025, 027. 032, 035, 038
Dist: Nov 2007 Btl: 2019/ Tasted: Aug 2021
Surprisingly there is quite an alcohol prickle initially. Straw, apricot and hints of rose petal marc, elderflower and musky/ floral spices. With time it freshens as the citrus comes through and a touch of apple and nascent honey appears. There’s very little oak input which means the spirit character is full on show and it feels very much ‘old skool’ Lowland.
The palate is fresh and lightly oiled with straw, apricot meadow flowers, elderflower and subtle spice. Relatively straightforward and like the nose not showing very much oak, bar a touch of vanilla. Short and a little hot with lingering citrus and barley.
Daftmill 2008 (11 year old) 46% Summer Batch Release 46%
First Fill Bourbon casks 056, 058, 060, 062. 065, 066
Dist: 2008 Btl: 2019/ Tasted: Aug 2021
Slightly weightier and oilier than the winter 2007 release and no alcohol prickle. There’s also more noticeable oak with toasty marzipan notes joining the straw, apricot and rose petal marc, with time hints of lemon. Even though it’s younger it feels more evolved than the winter 2007 release, which may well be down to better integrated alcohol and more oak.
The palate is soft, oily and weighty with apricot, straw and integrated vanilla oak. Again, it is a bit straightforward and the youthful rose petal marc and straw notes develop on the middle. Good length with quite a spicy finish and lingering pot pourri, alcohol and floral/ dusty spice. An all round better bottling.
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 