Dailuaine 16 years

Score: 66

Dailuaine 16 Year Old, bottled at 43% ABV, landed a solid third place out of six in its tasting, a respectable showing for a dram that often flies under the radar. Hailing from the Dailuaine distillery, tucked into a hollow by the Carron Burn in Banffshire, this whisky is part of Diageo’s Flora & Fauna series and showcases the distillery’s rich, sherried style with quiet confidence. This full and sweet whisky opens with a deep and complex nose: walnuts and butterscotch, dried orange peel, candied lemon peel, and green herbs swirl together in a warm, inviting bouquet. On the palate, it’s sweet and warming, offering Highland toffee, sugar-coated almonds, bright citrus, dried fruit, and baking spice. The finish lingers with a nutty echo, soft and satisfying. It’s a dram that rewards patience and attention—not flashy, but well-built and quietly expressive. In a lineup with louder personalities, Dailuaine 16 held its own, offering a thoughtful counterpoint and proving that depth doesn’t always need drama.