Dalwhinnie 16 Years Old

Dalwhinnie from the distillery, a 16 year old, at 40%. Dalwhinnie sits above the Drumochter pass, the highest of all Scotland's working distilleries. Its water is soft snowmelt drawn from the surrounding hills.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated malt in pear shaped copper stills, for a soft, honeyed make with a waxy depth. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut from the lactones. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip to the honey. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the gentle Highland spirit. Its vapour is condensed in worm tubs rather than modern condensers, the source of its waxy weight. The site lies in the high Drumochter pass, often cut off by snow in deep winter. Refill oak lets the soft heather honey character lead the way. A gentle maturation suits the soft make, the heather honey growing richer with time.

At 40% it is gentle, sweet and honeyed. Honey, pear and a waxy weight, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run apple, pear and a soft honey. A long, honeyed finish carries an orchard fruit and a warming heat. This is a Classic Malt of real charm.