Firkin 49 Dailuaine 2012

A Firkin fabulous 10 year old Speyside dram that is Firkin’s very first Dailuaine release ever – the Firkin 49 Dailuaine 2012!

What a Firkin fabulous way to get 2023 underway than a 10 year old dram from a legend in the whisky business – Mike Colling’s Firkin brand. This is the Firkin Whisky Co’s first Dailuaine release and Mike was eager for the SMWC to premier it to the world! We are pretty proud to have been chosen by this whisky legend to premier a new dram from this master whisky-man!

Now, we are no strangers to the Firkin Whisky Co. here at the SMWC. Headed by whisky industry legend Mike Collings, Firkin Whisky is an independent bottler of fine whiskies – with a difference. Firkin Whisky Co. age all their whiskies in their own custom-made hybrid casks. Alternating first fill bourbon and new French oak staves make up the barrels. The casks for the Firkin 49 series are then seasoned for 6 months with a mix of Oloroso and Amontillado before being filled to age with the chosen whisky.

This months Firkin 49 Dailuaine 2012 is a classic Speyside whisky distilled in 2012. Its long fermentation and short distillation cuts produce a surprisingly heavier, richer and almost meaty style of whisky. This intriguing depth in a Speyside whisky makes it a speciality in this region.

A brand new shiny whisky year for 2023 is ready for our members. Another year ahead full of wonderful whiskies, delicious drams and sensational sippers!

Nose: Very fresh and herbal on the nose. Newly cut grass, fresh orange juice and flowering jasmine. There is also sweet element that I’m having trouble putting my finger on – toffee, perhaps?

Palate: Absolutely magnificently balanced spirit – wonderful oaky notes drizzled over milk arrowroot bikkies, light fruitiness and just a hint of biscuit spices. Round, rich and sweet (but not overly) with a lovely crispness to it as well.

Finish: Long and satisfying with a real peanut-butter edge there. Granny Smith apple juice pops in and out as the mild pepper notes swirl around the subtle fruity tones.

The Firkin 49 Dailuaine 2012 is truly easy-dramming whisky. Light on the palate, yet full and round and fruity. Big on the palate but in no way overwhelming or hot – just perfect, in fact. This latest offering from Mike and his Firkin Whisky brand is very possibly the best Firkin I’ve tasted. And that’s no mean feat let me tell ya!

“That’ll do Mr Collings…. that’ll Firkin do!”