Dreaming-of-Islay
Dalwhinnie 15 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
June 5, 2017 (edited November 17, 2019)
This scotch would be my pick for introducing a first-time scotch drinker to the genre. Its standout feature to me is its smoothness, and it lives up to billing as a gentle drinking spirit. Its smoothness and sweetness are so rounded and soft that it more closely resembles a blend than a single malt to my nose and palate, but it has nice notes of honey and orchard fruits. I don't observe the smokiness that some pick up in this dram.
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Nice review. This is a favorite of one of my good friends and so I have enjoyed this on many occasions and 100% agree, I have never picked up any smoky or peaty notes.
Good review. No, I've never picked up any noticeable smoke in Dalwhinnie either. The dry glass is fruity- honey, so peat isn't the underpinning subtly. I've noticed that the 15 year old is much more expensive currently than it was last year, which is a pity as it is beyond the price point for a good intro whisky now.
Thanks, Paul! As for the peat mentioned by Slainte Mhath, I did not get it in my bottle at all, but this was from a few years back (maybe purchased circa early 2015) so not sure if they've changed something.
I haven't tried any Dalwhinnie yet but if you are looking for a budget friendly beginner scotch you really need to try the Tomatin 12 year old. Nice flavors and not overpowering
Re-tasted Dalwhinnie 15 today, and boy, where does that peat smoke come from? I am sure I didn't pick that up in earlier batches. It adds some nice complexity to this malt, although it is somewhat unusual. I have no clue where this peat note comes from, as Dalwhinnie claims not to use any peat. At least they told me so when I visited the distillery in April...