Dalwhinnie The Distillers Edition 16 Years Old 1986

An official release of Dalwhinnie, a 16 year old, from 1986, cask D. SI. 312, at 43%. Dalwhinnie has made its light, waxy Highland malt beside the Drumochter hills since 1898. It was one of the six original Classic Malts of Scotland, chosen to represent the Highlands.

Made on soft hill water and condensed in worm tubs, the worm tubs lending an underlying waxy weight. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut over the honey. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip to the honey. Maturation at over a thousand feet keeps the spirit soft and slow to develop. Cook and Bernheimer, then America's largest distillers, bought it at auction in 1905. The site lies in the high Drumochter pass, often cut off by snow in deep winter. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the gentle Highland spirit. The worm tubs leave a waxy weight that carries through the years in cask.

At 43% it is smooth and honeyed. Honey, pear and a waxy weight, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gently warming. This is a Classic Malt of real charm.