Dalwhinnie 15 year old review

WhiskyRant! review of Dalwhinnie 15YO single malt

Dalwhinnie distillery is located very high above sea level. It is one of the highest distilleries in Scotland, which gives some marine quality to it. Located high in the Grampian mountains in Highland region, Dalwhinnie is also very near to the geographical center of Scotland. Matured in ex-bourbon casks, this one’s a great single malt. With big emphasis on the word malt.

Dalwhinnie is part of Diageo’s Classic Malts brand launched in 1988. Only 10% of their production is used for single malt whisky. The remaining malts are being used in the Black & White blended whiskies.

SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN with fresh barley

Dalwhinnie is like the folk singer Sixto Rodriguez, who had a recording career of only two well received but non-selling albums. Dalwhinnie’s range also includes only two whiskies and like the “Sugar Man” Rodriguez, it isn’t as well known as it should be. I think I just found my Sugar Man of whisky. And it was full of great barley.

Dalwhinnie 15 year old single malt surely is a hidden gem of whisky industry, the price is not high but you will get some quality malt.

Matured in:

Ex-Bourbon casks

Colour: Gold

Nose: Floral honey with hints of toffee. Barley hits nicely. Water adds some pepper into the mix.

Taste: Tea, malt and crispy citrus. Sugared barley really dominates the palate.

Finish: Nutty and malty finish with spices. Water adds bitterness.

Balance: Not a complex one but still a great single malt. Malt really is the keyword here.