Daftmill Distillery Single Malt Scotch – the wait is over…nearly.
Now this is probably one of the most exciting pieces of new distillery news we have heard this year. Forget Port Ellen, Brora and Rosebank. has now officially announced that they are releasing their first bottlings of single malt whisky, likely in 2018. Daftmill Distillery have teamed up with the very experienced and renowned Berry Bros & Rudd as their main distributor. This sounds like a match made in heaven. Daftmill Distillery is located in the ancient mill building of Daftmill Farm, just west of Cupar, in Fife. This means this little distillery is literally just along the road from TheWhiskyBarrel.com HQ. This is truly local whisky to us. And we are rather excited about this news. Read on for more details of what whisky to expect.
Highly Anticipated Whisky
Daftmill Distillery has been at the back of many whisky enthusiast’s minds for years. Somewhat of a mystery. Having first started distilling whisky back in 2005, this is unlike the many new distilleries that are regular hitting the headlines. No Gin here. No song and dance either. Just the patient production of single malt Daftmill Whisky. Now this is a new distillery that has single malt whisky aged up to 12 years old in the warehouse. Daftmill Distillery is ready to hit the ground running. Here at The Whisky Barrel we have had many enquiries from customers wondering if we had a heads up on when the whisky may be ready. Now, we are delighted to read about and share this news.
So, what’s on offer? Well, we’re in for a treat by the looks of it. The third quarter of 2018 is looking like the date for the diary. As is fitting for a new distillery, there is likely to be a special Inaugural Release. But unlike many new distilleries first release, this won’t be a young up-start of a whisky with promise of showing the likely character and style of Daftmill Whisky. We expect this will be full Daftmill Whisky fully showing off all of its character.
Do We Know What the Whiskies Will Be?
Indeed we do. It seems certain there will be an inaugural release and looks to be a joining to two casks to balance each other, bot 2005 vintage. Should we expect some core expressions? To match Daftmill’s seasonal production, there are to be Summer and Winter releases at 12 years old 46% abv. But with Berry Bros in the loop, we would knew there would be some single cask releases. Four annual single cask releases are expected. Very exciting! Demand for Daftmill single malt whisky will be huge. Projects like this always seem an age away from the day of release of any whisky, let alone double digit age statement whisky. Whisky collectors will no doubt be chomping at the bit. But trust us, this whisky needs to be drunk and enjoyed. And we would know…
First Hand Experience of Daftmill Whisky
Back in February 2016, The Whisky Barrel visited Daftmill Distillery on a notably chilly winter morning [Read about our visit here: Part 1 and Part 2). We met and chatted at length with Francis Cuthbert (along side his brother Ian who are the owners and operators of Daftmill). In addition we were given a personal tour of the distillery and warehouse. It is small, traditional and genuinely charming. It suits its Fife location perfectly. But it was our chance to taste the whisky, straight from the cask, which was the real moment of joy. The whisky is simply incredible. 2 casks aged 9 years; one bourbon and one sherry. The bourbon is the star and a real reflection of Daftmill character. We said:
“…at cask strength there was incredible balance on the nose. Light and soft fruits, home-made lemonade with a hint of American cream soda. On the palate it is quite decadent – luxurious dark chocolate with the soft bourbon oak and very pleasant sweet and summer floral meadow. The finish was long, long, long and lingering.”
This is putting honest, genuine and current Lowland Whisky well and truly on the Scotch Whisky map. We are thrilled to see Daftmill Whisky being released to the world. Not just an online retailer with a passion for Scotch Whisky. But also as neighbours. As fellow Fifers. Congratulations to Francis and Ian, and to Berry Bros in getting things in place to bring Daftmill Whisky to the world. in conclusion, 2018 is shaping up very well already.
Slainte Mhath
