Dalwhinnie 23 Years Old 1970 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A Dalwhinnie of a 23 year old chosen by the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, distilled in 1970, bottled at 40%. Dalwhinnie is a Highland single malt from the cold, high ground between the Grampian and Monadhliath ranges. It is most famous as a 15 year old, sold alongside Talisker and Oban in the classic range.

Run through the pear shaped stills on soft snowmelt water, for the heather honey make Dalwhinnie is known for. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the heather honey. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, honeyed fruit. The light, floral make takes cask flavour gently while keeping its honey. It runs pear shaped copper stills whose vapour is cooled in traditional worm tubs. In 1934 a fire destroyed much of the stillhouse, which was rebuilt around the original worm tubs.

Reduced to 40%, it is mellow. A light, honeyed orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is soft and waxy, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. It finishes long, soft and warming. This is a light, honeyed Highland malt with a waxy heart.