Càrn Mòr Dailuaine 9yr Sauternes Finish – Enthusiast Rare Drams

The Morrison family story begins in the 18th century, starting out as grocers and growing into whisky brokers, blenders, bottlers and, eventually distillers. Nowadays the family has returned to its early roots by sharing a selection of some of the finest Scotch whiskies they are fortunate enough to be the caretakers of under the name Carn Mor. The “Strictly Limited” range is a collection of whiskies from single distilleries from the finest whisky producing regions in Scotland. What makes this range so special is that all the bottles are non-chill-filtered, which means they keep all of the oils and proteins that give it that fantastic natural flavour. Built in 1851 by William Mackenzie and serviced by the Strathspey railway beginning in the 1860s, Dailuaine became the largest single malt distillery in Speyside by the end of the 19th century – and also one of the most innovative in terms of design. It was the first distillery to sport the now iconic pagoda on a kiln whose pitch was deliberately steep to minimize the contact time between peat smoke and drying malt. This was one of the clearest indications of how the ‘Spey style’ was changing to a lighter, more floral expression.

This bottle was distilled in 2012, finished in a Sauterne cask, and bottled in 2021.

Nose – Citrus, pears and apples. Then comes overripe peaches and red berries with a hint of honey and vanilla in the background.

Palate – Orchard fruits but the apple turns into stewed apple with a vanilla pudding coating and some cinnamon. Christmas spices appear with the sweetness of red berries and grapes.

Finish – Long, sweet and dry at the end.

One of only 816 bottles worldwide.