Dalwhinnie The Distillers Edition 15 Years Old 2006

An official release of Dalwhinnie, a 15 year old, from 2006, cask D. SC. 315, at 43%. Dalwhinnie is a Highland single malt from the cold, high ground between the Grampian and Monadhliath ranges. It stands at over a thousand feet above sea level, the highest distillery in Scotland.

The spirit was drawn off the pear shaped stills and cooled in cast iron worm tubs, building the gentle Dalwhinnie style. 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. Refill oak lets the soft heather honey character lead the way. The cold, high air of the central hills gives a slow, even maturation. Years in oak round the spirit, the apple and honey deepening over the waxy core. Cold warehouses on the high ground slow the spirit's loss to the angels' share.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow. Baked apple, honey and a waxy note, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and heather honey sit behind the cask. The finish is long, soft and gently warming. This is the soft, waxy malt of the Drumochter hills.