The Dalwhinnie 15 is about as smooth as single malts come. It’s a combination of sweetness with peat undertones that is very pleasurable and makes you think that this is a Scotch for the upper class.
Dalwhinnie doesn’t make a huge variety of whiskies, and this is apparently because they’ve already worked out that 15 years is the optimal aging period and don’t care to offer anything much else. Good for them. Accessibility is important, and it’s nice to think that you can drink the 15 year old and have essentially covered what Dalwhinnie has to offer. There is also the Distiller’s Edition that has a stronger sherry flavor (why do Distiller’s Editions always have a sherry finish?)
If you often find yourself complaining that a Scotch doesn’t pack enough punch, doesn’t have enough balls or any other similar colloquialisms, it’s probably a good idea to stop reading now. The Dalwhinnie 15 is not an offensive whisky. It’s sweet, light and very easy to drink. It makes a fantastic appertif, and I would probably rank it in my top 2 or 3 after dessert whiskies. Unfortunately, at other times of the day it falls a bit flat. It doesn’t have the complexity to keep me interested. I’d almost liken this whisky to a dessert wine – if you want something sweet and refreshing, it’s great, but I wouldn’t sip it without having just consumed a large meal.
The nose is very gentle on this whisky, with floral, vanilla and honey notes all presenting themselves. When nosing this whisky it’s easy to imagine the flavors rising up from the glass and giving your nostrils a little tickle, a cute smile and asking politely if they can come in.
The taste is quite similar. Vanilla and honey remain present, and the floral smell turns in to something more like oak. Not the big, moist oak flavor though – more of a dried, lightly charred oak. Very pleasant.
To finish there is a light smoke, and not much of a burn. Medium length.
The Dalwhinnie 15 year old comes recommended for beginners to whisky or people wanting to transition from blends to single malts. If you’ve tried such easily accessible malts as the Glenfiddich 12 and enjoyed them, there’s a very good chance you’ll love this. If you love Ardbeg, don’t waste your time with this one. It’s a good whisky for certain times of the day and certain people, but I’m not sure I’d buy this again.
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Information
- Type: 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky
- Region: Highland
- ABV: 43%
- Price guide: