Dalwhinnie The Distillers Edition 15 Years Old 2005

This official Dalwhinnie, a 15 year old, from 2005, cask D. SB. 314, at 43%. Dalwhinnie takes its name from the old drovers' meeting place on the high road north. In 1934 a fire destroyed much of the stillhouse, which was rebuilt around the original worm tubs.

Distilled from unpeated malt in pear shaped copper stills, the worm tubs lending an underlying waxy weight. Maturation in an Oloroso cask laid dried fruit, fig and walnut over the honeyed malt. At oxidative maturity vanillin and lactones are fully expressed, the heather honey deepening over a waxy weight. Long ageing turns the fresh fruit towards honey, dried fruit and a soft spice. Its vapour is condensed in worm tubs rather than modern condensers, the source of its waxy weight. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the gentle Highland spirit. Refill oak lets the soft heather honey character lead the way.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded. Baked apple, honey and a waxy note, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. It is gentle and sweet, the soft spirit shining through. A smooth, honeyed finish ends on pear and a warming spice. This is a Classic Malt of real charm.