Daftmill 2007 Fife Strength 1st fill bourbon barrel The UK Independent Whisky Retailers 56.3% 700ml

The Daftmill 2007 Fife Strength whisky is a single malt Scotch whisky hailing from one of Scotland's newer distilleries, nestled in the heart of Fife. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2023, this exceptional whisky has spent 15 years maturing in a first-fill bourbon barrel, resulting in a complex and refined spirit. As a UK exclusive, this expression is bottled at cask strength, boasting an impressive 56.3% ABV.

Daftmill is a family-owned and operated seasonal distillery, established with a license to produce whisky in 2005. Located in a converted barn on Daftmill Farm, the distillery operates only during the quieter seasons of midsummer and winter, producing a limited number of around 100 casks per year. The malting barley used to craft this Lowland whisky is meticulously grown on the estate by the Cuthbert family, ensuring a unique and high-quality product.

The nose of the Daftmill 2007 Fife Strength whisky is rich with herbal notes, complemented by a biscuity sweetness, grassy olive oil, and chamois leather. On the palate, it reveals a grassy and waxy texture, with flavors reminiscent of old-school shilling ales, barley extract, and mineral oils. The whisky's rich wood spice, herbs, toffee apple, and sweet beer flavors lead to a finish that is full of pine sap, bay leaf, and olive oil.

This remarkable whisky offers a robust and spirit-driven experience, with a notable influence from the cask that some might compare to virgin oak rather than a charred ex-bourbon barrel. With a nose of malty and buttery aromas, including fresh oak, barley sugars, Victoria sponge, butter fudge, lemon, dried banana chips, vine/grape leaves, oak chips, sawdust, and a subtle floral perfume, it sets the stage for a delightful tasting journey. The taste begins sweet with butter toffee pennies and barley sugar, transitioning to a bitter, drying, and spicy profile dominated by ginger and white pepper. The finish is characterized by shortbread biscuits, dried ginger, metallic hints (copper coins), and white pepper.

FAQs

• What makes Daftmill 2007 Fife Strength unique?

  This whisky is a UK exclusive, distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2023 after maturing for 15 years in a first-fill bourbon barrel. It is also bottled at cask strength, which adds to its distinct character.

• How many casks does Daftmill produce annually?

  Daftmill is a small-scale, family-operated distillery that produces approximately 100 casks per year, focusing on quality over quantity.

• What ingredients are used in Daftmill whisky?

  The malting barley used in Daftmill whisky is grown on the estate by the Cuthbert family, ensuring a unique and high-quality spirit.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: Herbal notes, biscuity sweetness, grassy olive oil, chamois leather, fresh oak, barley sugars, Victoria sponge, butter fudge, lemon, dried banana chips, vine/grape leaves, oak chips, sawdust, floral perfume.
• Taste: Grassy, waxy, old-school shilling ales, barley extract, mineral oils, butter toffee pennies, barley sugar, ginger, white pepper.
• Finish: Pine sap, bay leaf, olive oil, shortbread biscuits, dried ginger, metallic hints (copper coins), white pepper.
• Overall: This whisky presents a robust and spirit-driven experience, with a significant influence from the cask, evoking virgin oak characteristics. The complex array of aromas and flavors—from sweet and buttery to spicy and drying—culminates in a richly layered finish.

Reviewer's opinion

The Daftmill 2007 Fife Strength whisky is an intriguing and well-crafted expression that showcases the meticulous work of the Daftmill distillery. Its unique flavor profile, influenced by the first-fill bourbon barrel, offers a delightful balance of sweetness, spice, and herbal notes. This whisky is a testament to the Cuthbert family's dedication to producing high-quality, small-batch whiskies that stand out in the competitive whisky landscape. A true gem for any whisky enthusiast.