2007 Dailuaine, AD Rattray 9 yo 57.2%

Between the mountain Ben Rinnes and the river Spey, Dailuaine (`green vale`) sits hidden in a hollow. In 1889 it was the first ever distillery to install a pagoda roof, a design which was fast copied and went on to become the definining shape of a `traditional` Scottish distillery. In terms of production, the very large part goes into the various Johnnie Walker blends, with only about 2% getting bottled as single malt. Which is a shame, to judge by this one. The salinity is a delicious offset to the fruity sherry cask character, and the judicious addition of some water brings out what might be Lyle`s Golden Syrup. (NT 22/01/17)