Country: Scotland
Region: Highland - Central
Brand: Dalwhinnie
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Age: 15 Years
ABV: 43 %
Colour: Bright Pale Gold
Nose: Fruity, Floral and Dry with Malt, Honey, Wax, Heather, Green Apple, Toast and Butter, Straw/Grass, Apricot, Citrus (Nectarine), Oak, Vanilla, Brown Sugar, light Sherry and a hint of Peat. Bit of Alcohol as well.
Palate: Rather Thin, Bitter-Sweet and Spicy Delivery with Barley Sugar, Pepper, Licorice, Citrus, Grass, Heather, Caramel and Walnuts.
Finish: Bitter-Sweet with Malt, Honey, Almonds, Grass, Heather, Herbs, Red Berries, Caramel, Coffee and Spices.
With a bit of Water, the Nose becomes even more Malty and Floral. I don't find significant changes on the Palate and in the Finish. But you can add a bit of Water as this will further open the Nose and get rid of the Alcohol.
Rating: 83
Nose: 21.5 - Taste: 20.5 - Finish: 20.5 - Overall: 20.5
General Remarks: The Dalwhinnie Distillery is the highest - and most remote Scottish Distillery. It was originally named Strathspey (a village nearby) and was founded in 1897. The pure spring water comes from Lochan An Doire-Uaine, the highest source of any malt, located at 2000 feet in the Drumochter Hills. The Distillery is now part of the Diageo group and represents the Central Highlands in their Classic Malt Range. It is also suggested that the Dalwhinnie is used in the Johnnie Walker - and Black & White Blends. It's priced at around 50 US Dollars and that's a bit expensive for what it offers.
Drinking Experience Neat: Good
Conclusion: Almost Lowland Characteristics. It reminded me a lot of the Deanston 12 as well. Fresh and Fruity on the Nose and rather light on the Palate. This makes the Dalwhinnie 15 a good Aperitif for one of those Summer afternoons. You might even consider throwing in an ice-cube. It's quite easy-going and lots of people will probably like this Single Malt for it. But it's a bit too light and mainstream for me to be honest. Too little to discover in the Dalwhinnie 15 years. Harmless but forgettable.
Jan van den Ende May 1, 2013
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