Dalwhinnie Diageo Special Releases 2002 36 Years Old 1966

Dalwhinnie from the distillery, a 36 year old, from 1966, at 47.2%, 1500 bottles in all. Dalwhinnie is a Highland single malt from the cold, high ground between the Grampian and Monadhliath ranges. Its vapour is condensed in worm tubs rather than modern condensers, the source of its waxy weight.

The spirit was worked through the stills and worm tubs for a soft, waxy make, building the gentle Dalwhinnie style. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the heather honey. Ethereal and fragile, decades draw the malt to a honeyed, waxy delicacy of sotolon and old oak. Refill oak lets the soft heather honey character lead the way. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the gentle Highland spirit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. The site lies in the high Drumochter pass, often cut off by snow in deep winter.

At cask strength 47.2% it is full bodied. A gentle, floral sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run apple, pear and a soft honey. The finish is long, soft and gently warming. This is a Classic Malt of real charm.