A Micro-Production, Sherry-Aged Single Malt Unlike Any Other
2009 Daftmill “Summer Batch Release” Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($229.99)
“Scotland’s only operational seasonal farm distillery is delivering perhaps the finest malts in the country.” — Andrew Whiteley

Just when you thought you had a bead on the world’s greatest collectible Scotch, along comes Daftmill. Brothers Francis and Ian Cuthbert make arguably Scotland’s most compelling whiskies strictly from the barley that they harvest on their seasonal farm. There is simply nothing else in the whisky world that compares to these incredible expressions. Spirits buyer Andrew Whiteley explains, “The Cuthberts are redefining Lowland Single Malt, one miniscule batch at a time—and the new definition is exquisite.” This 11 Year Old Stunner is the Summer Release, which also happens to be the first batch that’s ever seen sherry casks. Far from compromising the singular character of the whisky, the sherry treatment simply adds additional layers of complexity to what is already a dizzying and mind-blowing profile. This batch was made in a painfully small quantity, and once the word is out on this flat-out otherworldly collectible, you can be sure we’ll see it fly out the door. Collectors and aficionados should beat a quick path to secure their allocations of one of the most unique and amazing whiskies on the market.

2009 Daftmill “Summer Batch Release” Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($229.99)

K&L Notes: The new release of Daftmill’s wonderful single estate Lowland Malt. Francis and Ian Cuthbert are making the most compelling malts in all of Scotland. They began production in 2005 but didn’t get cranking until 2006. During the farm’s quiet periods in the mid-summer and the winter they fire up the stills and make whisky from their own harvest. The purity and intensity of these whiskies is unmatched. The care and attention to detail is extraordinary. Often, they produce only about 100 casks per year. That’s less than a single shift’s production at many large distilleries. This batch was produced by marrying four casks, all filled in June and July 2009. While previous batches in the U.S. have been exclusively bourbon cask-matured, this is the first vatting to bring sherry into the mix. It is a first-fill oloroso butt and three first-fill bourbon casks yielding 1680 bottles at 46% ABV, bottled exclusively for the U.S. market.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 11, 2021

Francis and Ian Cuthbert have done it again. Scotland’s only operational seasonal farm distillery is delivering perhaps the finest quality malt in the country. Made from the Optic variety of barley, each release has been a positively stunning example of the complex development that’s possible in just over a decade. This 11 Year Old is the first release to feature a sherry cask in the mix, and it must be said that from the first sip, it appears their whiskies take to sherry beautifully. A luscious amber gold color, the whisky is striking even before you open the bottle. First nosing reveals the Oloroso immediately—a carefully oxidized citrus zest and toasted mixed nuts are playfully intertwined with the incredible cornucopia that has defined previous bourbon cask-aged releases. Everything from crisp apples to succulent stone fruits and amber waves of grain mingle and mix so well that it feels like the nose is alive; it is constantly shifting. When you get around to tasting it, things get even more complex. Honeyed oat clusters and both raw and roasted barley are distinctly present. Burnt orange peel, like a fancy cocktail garnish, gives the impression of acidity, sweetness, and savory all at once. A faint tropical note hums in the background. The mid- and back-palate are gently sweet and extremely pleasing. The stone fruit is reprised. The finish is long and compelling, inviting another sip, another pour, another bottle. The Cuthberts are redefining Lowland Single Malt, one miniscule batch at a time—and the new definition is exquisite.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 15, 2021

Here we have another beautiful expression from Daftmill in their seasonal release series, which produces legitimately small batches (1680 bottles in this case). At just 11 years old, there is surprising complexity and gentle maturity. The nose is bready/doughy with cinnamon, ginger snaps, and sandalwood. There’s also a high-quality top note to the scents here, where the Scotch gets very floral and citrusy. Sipping reveals a mouthcoating whisky with a soft and reserved spice, cereal notes that go on for days, old leather, dried orchard fruits, and nuttiness.