Dalwhinnie The Distillers Edition 17 Years Old 1997

This official Dalwhinnie, a 17 year old, from 1997, cask D.SV.312, at 43%. Dalwhinnie is the Highland member of the Classic Malts, known for its soft heather honey style. It stands at over a thousand feet above sea level, the highest distillery in Scotland.

The spirit was distilled slowly for a clean, fragrant spirit, for a clean, floral spirit with a waxy core. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the gentle, waxy spirit. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, apple and pear turning honeyed over the soft, waxy body. Years in oak round the spirit, the apple and honey deepening over the waxy core. A gentle maturation suits the soft make, the heather honey growing richer with time. The site lies in the high Drumochter pass, often cut off by snow in deep winter. The cold, high air of the central hills gives a slow, even maturation.

At an approachable 43% it is soft and easy. A gentle, floral sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. A long, honeyed finish carries an orchard fruit and a warming heat. This is Scotland's highest distillery in single malt form.