Dalwhinnie 30 Years Old

Dalwhinnie from the distillery, a 30 year old, at 54.7%, 7584 bottles in all. Dalwhinnie sits above the Drumochter pass, the highest of all Scotland's working distilleries. Its vapour is condensed in worm tubs rather than modern condensers, the source of its waxy weight.

It was run through the pear shaped stills on soft snowmelt water, for a soft, honeyed make with a waxy depth. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light vanilla and honey. In its ethereal years the malt is waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, dried fig). A gentle maturation suits the soft make, the heather honey growing richer with time. Its water is soft snowmelt drawn from the surrounding hills. It was one of the six original Classic Malts of Scotland, chosen to represent the Highlands. It stands at over a thousand feet above sea level, the highest distillery in Scotland.

At a hearty 54.7% it carries real weight. Heather honey, vanilla and a soft malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is gentle and sweet, the soft spirit shining through. It finishes long, soft and warming. This is Scotland's highest distillery in single malt form.