Dalwhinnie The Distillers Edition 15 Years Old 2004

An official release of Dalwhinnie, a 15 year old, from 2004, cask D.SA.313, at 43%. Dalwhinnie is a Highland single malt made at the highest distillery in Scotland, high in the central hills. It runs pear shaped copper stills whose vapour is cooled in traditional worm tubs.

The spirit was made on soft hill water and condensed in worm tubs, the worm tubs lending an underlying waxy weight. A sherry cask wrapped the soft spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip to the honey. Years in oak round the spirit, the apple and honey deepening over the waxy core. Its vapour is condensed in worm tubs rather than modern condensers, the source of its waxy weight. Long ageing turns the fresh fruit towards honey, dried fruit and a soft spice. The high reflux of the stills gives a light spirit, the worm tubs a waxy depth.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow. Baked apple, honey and a waxy note, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gently warming. This is the soft, waxy malt of the Drumochter hills.