Dalwhinnie The Distillers Edition 16 Years Old 1997

An official release of Dalwhinnie, a 16 year old, from 1997, cask D.SU.312, at 43%. Dalwhinnie is a Highland single malt from the cold, high ground between the Grampian and Monadhliath ranges. Its water is soft snowmelt drawn from the surrounding hills.

The spirit was made on soft hill water and condensed in worm tubs, for a clean, floral spirit with a waxy core. An Oloroso finish gave fig and dried fruit above the heather honey. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip to the honey. Soft snowmelt water and a clean ferment give the fragrant Dalwhinnie make. The high reflux of the stills gives a light spirit, the worm tubs a waxy depth. The cold, high air of the central hills gives a slow, even maturation. In 1934 a fire destroyed much of the stillhouse, which was rebuilt around the original worm tubs. The distillery briefly swapped its worm tubs for modern condensers in the 1980s, then returned to the worms when the spirit changed.

At 43% it is smooth and honeyed. Apple, pear and a gentle honey, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. It is gentle and sweet, the soft spirit shining through. The finish runs long, gentle and warming. This is a Classic Malt of real charm.