Dalwhinnie The Distillers Edition 15 Years Old 2003

An official release of Dalwhinnie, a 15 year old, from 2003, cask D.SZ.312, at 43%. Dalwhinnie is the Highland member of the Classic Malts, known for its soft heather honey style. In 1934 a fire destroyed much of the stillhouse, which was rebuilt around the original worm tubs.

The spirit was run through the pear shaped stills on soft snowmelt water, giving the soft, honeyed Highland spirit. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the gentle, waxy spirit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip to the honey. The cold, high air of the central hills gives a slow, even maturation. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the gentle Highland spirit. Soft snowmelt water and a clean ferment give the fragrant Dalwhinnie make. It was founded in 1897 as Strathspey and renamed Dalwhinnie soon after by its new owners.

At 43% it is smooth and honeyed. Honey, pear and a waxy weight, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and heather honey sit behind the cask. The close is soft and warming, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a light, honeyed Highland malt with a waxy heart.