Stop number 86 on the SDT is Dailuaine. Another relatively unknown Speyside distillery brought to light thanks to @LeeEvolved and the SDT group. As precious few official bottles are available, this sample is from a 12 year old Gordon and MacPhail independent bottle. Distilled in 1995, bottled at 43% ABV and appears to be natural color of pale straw. Because it’s 43% I have a feeling it is chill filtered. The nose has plenty of honey, hay and grass. Even at 43% it has a nip of alcohol when first nosed. Light fruits, apricots, green grapes, oranges, plums and very light raisins. Faint cinnamon and allspice. A light earthiness and just the barest hint of smoke. Weak oak, ex bourbon probably, malty and a sort of brown sugar sweetness. Some vanilla and coconut and a bit of a mineral note. Overall very light. The palate starts with some pepper, earthy and what could be a very light peat. Orchard and tropical fruits, apricots, mangos, oranges and raisins. Astringent oak, a slight metallic note and some bitter almonds. A medium light bodied mouthfeel, lightly oily and dry. The finish is medium long, slightly bitter oak, earthy and fruity, all very light. On a side note, I took the last 1/2oz I had and dropped in some water and a small ice cube. I let it sit and checked for any scotch mist. None to be found, further evidence that it is chill filtered. While this is not what I would call a bad scotch, it’s certainly not a good one either at $78 it’s quite expensive for a 12 year old Speysider with light generic flavors. Thanks for the sample Lee, but it’s time to move on. 3 stars Cheers