Dalwhinnie 15 Yrs
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old is an elegant and approachable Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, renowned for its smooth, honeyed character with delicate notes of heather, vanilla, and a subtle hint of smoke. It's often considered an excellent introduction to the world of single malts.
Crafted at one of Scotland's highest and coldest distilleries, Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old embodies the crisp purity of its remote Highland origins. Matured for a minimum of 15 years in oak casks, typically ex-bourbon barrels, this whisky develops a remarkable balance of sweet, malty, and floral notes. Its gentle character is enhanced by the pure spring water from Lochan-Doire-Uaine, resulting in a smooth, medium-bodied dram that is both refined and welcoming. Part of Diageo's Classic Malts range, it showcases the essence of Highland whiskies with a subtle complexity that invites contemplative sipping.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Clean and fresh with prominent notes of heather honey, ripe pears, soft vanilla, and a subtle floral essence, often with a hint of toffee.
Palate: Bright, fruity, and rich. Sweet and malty, featuring flavors of honey, vanilla, stewed fruits (like apple and pear), sponge cake, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. There's a delicate underpinning of peat smoke and oak that adds depth.
Recognition
Gold Medal – 2018 SIP Awards
Tried & True – 2019 & 2018 Ultimate Beverage Challenge (with high scores and positive tasting notes)
Silver Medal – 2018 International Spirits Challenge
Food Pairings
Cheeses: Mild, creamy cheeses like goat cheese or aged cheddar.
Seafood: Smoked salmon, ceviche.
Roasted Meats: Complements roasted lamb or beef.
Serving Suggestions
Neat: To fully appreciate its nuanced aromas and flavors.
With a splash of cool water: A few drops of water can help open up the whisky, releasing more of its subtle notes and enhancing its smoothness.
Interesting Facts
Highest & Coldest Distillery: Dalwhinnie is one of the highest operating distilleries in Scotland, situated at an elevation of approximately 326 meters (1,070 feet) above sea level. This high altitude contributes to its unique maturation conditions. It's also known for being one of the coldest distilleries.
"Plain of Meetings": The name "Dalwhinnie" comes from the Gaelic phrase "Dail-an-eas-Bhuidhe," meaning "Plain of Meetings," referring to its historical location at the junction of old drove roads.
Classic Malts Selection: Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old is a cornerstone of Diageo's "Classic Malts of Scotland" range, introduced in the late 1980s to showcase the diverse regional styles of Scotch whisky.
Water Source: The distillery uses pure spring water from Lochan-Doire-Uaine (meaning "loch of the green thicket"), adding to the whisky's distinct character.