Daftmill Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Daftmill single malt Scotch whisky comes from one of Scotland’s smallest and most traditional farm distilleries, located in the Howe of Fife in the Lowlands. Established in 2005 by Francis and Ian Cuthbert, Daftmill stands out in the modern whisky industry for its uncompromisingly slow, seasonal approach to production, making whisky only during short windows in summer and winter, when farm work allows. This dedication to quality over quantity has earned Daftmill a cult following among enthusiasts.

The Cuthberts are sixth-generation farmers, and Daftmill remains a fully functioning working farm, growing cereals, rearing livestock, and producing whisky. The distillery uses only barley grown on its own land, ensuring complete provenance from field to bottle. The strain and quality of the barley are carefully selected each year, making the spirit truly an estate product, a rarity in Scotch whisky.

Water for production comes from the farm’s own artesian well, and the distillery’s scale is deliberately small. Annual output is just a fraction of that of most commercial distilleries, averaging around 100 casks per year. This limited production means every batch is closely monitored, with traditional methods at every stage: open-top stainless steel washbacks, long fermentation times, and slow distillation in a pair of copper pot stills.

Daftmill’s philosophy is firmly spirit- and cask-led. Maturation takes place in high-quality American oak ex-bourbon barrels and a smaller proportion of European oak ex-sherry casks. The aim is balance and integration, allowing the natural, fruity character of the Lowland-style spirit to shine through without being dominated by wood influence. All whisky is matured entirely on-site in traditional dunnage warehouses, where the cool, stable temperatures of Fife encourage slow, steady development.

Releases are rare and carefully timed. The first Daftmill bottling appeared in 2018, 13 years after the distillery’s founding, reflecting the Cuthberts’ belief that the whisky should only be released when fully ready. Subsequent releases have been offered as Summer or Winter editions, referencing the season in which the spirit was distilled. Age statements typically range from 11 to 15 years, though younger and older single cask bottlings have appeared in limited numbers.

Flavour-wise, Daftmill single malt is a classic Lowland in style but with exceptional depth and elegance. The nose often shows fresh orchard fruit, apple, pear, and gooseberry, alongside cereal sweetness, vanilla, and gentle floral notes. On the palate, the whisky is clean, balanced, and textured, with honey, lemon zest, malt biscuit, and subtle oak spice. The finish is long and refined, with lingering fruit and light grassy tones. Sherry cask-matured expressions add layers of dried fruit, nuttiness, and warm spice without overwhelming the distillery’s fresh, delicate spirit character.

Our Daftmill Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection includes seasonal releases, rare single cask bottlings, and small-batch editions that reflect the distillery’s artisanal ethos. Whether you’re a collector seeking one of Scotland’s most talked-about modern whiskies or a drinker looking for a pure, honest expression of Lowland whisky-making, Daftmill offers rarity, provenance, and uncompromising quality in every drop.