Dalwhinnie 15 Year

The nose is defined by a crisp fruity sweetness, specifically fuji or honeycrisp apples and maybe pear as well, with some nice vanilla in the background. This is all accompanied by a very gentle smoke. More on that in a second. On the palate, there’s many of the same fruity notes but it’s so much more rich. The vanilla turns more into honey, and the fruits linger quietly on the very long finish. This is technically peated, but the smoke is somewhat subtle. It’s most notable on the finish, and on the nose, but unlike many other peated malts, the smoke is far from the dominant note. It blends in with the aforementioned fruity notes and some earthy, and nutty characteristics as well. Overall, this is an astoundingly well-crafted whiskey. It’s rich, full-bodied and yet somehow very easy on the palate and so drinkable at any time. A classic!

N: Fruity and warm with baked berries and fresh baked pie crust. Strawberry, cherry, peach, and pear. Dash of charcoal ember that adds a savory and earthy note. Vanilla cream with citrus zest fresh grated on top. Lots to like here. P: Creamy with a vanilla, orange, toasted marshmallow whip. Earthy and sweet with something of an aged tobacco note. Bit of a tropical note with possibly some pineapple. All of it leans floral and honeyed. Transition to finish brings the earthy back and spikes it with baking spices, particularly cumin, nutmeg, and maybe some dried tarragon. Finish itself is generally fruity with anonymous stone and orchard fruit notes with a swirl of orange. Whisper of cigarette smoke closes it out. This is such a subtle dram. I'm at the end of the bottle and barely remember it - palatable and easy to drink, but otherwise forgettable - and yet when I really sit with it and pick it apart, there's more going on. Supposedly this is peated ever so slightly. Once you know that, you can taste it - mostly as a modifier of other tastes, adding toasted or smoked to something else - but it's very subtle. And really lovely. Given that I apparently stole this for roughly $30 below market anywhere else, I really can't complain (and may grab another, because it's still there at that price). _______ Please come join an unofficial Distiller community on Discord: https://discord.gg/VSmCvzAQfH. We chat spirits (and other things) in real time while being a great resource to each other for recommendations, finding deals, and generally enjoying the journey together. (If the link is expired, post a comment and I will provide a new one.)