Dalwhinnie 15 years old Single Highland Malt Whisky 70 cl 43%

Scotland's highest and coldest distillery sits 355 metres up in the Cairngorms. The cold is not a drawback — it is the whole reason the whisky comes out so clean and floral.

Expert description

Dalwhinnie 15 years is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at 43%.

The distillery has produced since 1897 at Glen Truim in the Cairngorms National Park and is both the highest and coldest in Scotland. The water comes from Allt an t'Sluic, a source no other distillery may use, and it runs through local peat on the way down. Dalwhinnie is the Highland representative in Diageo's Classic Malts range, and the 15 year old is the core expression.

Tasting notes

Nose

Pale and elegant. Heather, honey and a lightly vinous grape note, with vanilla and a trace of peat in the background.

Palate

Soft and clean. Honey, malt and heather, with a creamy texture and a mild spiced warmth. There is a clear fruit sweetness held in place by a dry edge.

Finish

Dry and long, with vanilla, heather and a faint smoke note that lingers.

Specifications

Name: Dalwhinnie 15 years Single Highland Malt Whisky 70 cl 43%
Distillery: Dalwhinnie
Region/Country: Highlands Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 15 years
ABV: 43 %
Size: 70 CL
Edition: Classic Malts of Scotland
EAN no.: 5000281005423

Flavour profile

Soft · Honeyed · Heather · Clean · Lightly Smoked

Did you know?

Dalwhinnie means meeting place in Gaelic — the name comes from Dail Chuinnidh and refers to the spot where old cattle drovers' routes crossed. Today the A9 and the Highland railway meet in the same place.

See our full range of Dalwhinnie Whisky

Frequently asked questions about Dalwhinnie 15 years

What does it mean that Dalwhinnie is Scotland's highest distillery?

It sits 355 metres above sea level in the Cairngorms and is therefore also the coldest. The low temperature gives slow condensing and helps make the spirit clean and light.

Is it peated?

Only very lightly. There is a trace of peat in the background from the water and the malt, but Dalwhinnie is above all honeyed and floral. For real smoke, head towards Islay Whisky.

What is the Classic Malts range?

Diageo's selection of six distilleries each representing a whisky region. Dalwhinnie took the Highland seat, and the 15 year old still carries the title.

Is it good for a beginner?

Yes. It is soft, clean and without hard edges, yet has enough character that there is something to look for. Many people use it as a first meeting with the Highland style.

What food goes with it?

Try it with dark chocolate — Dalwhinnie's own visitor centre is known for exactly that pairing. The honeyed sweetness and the bitterness of the chocolate work well together.

How is it best enjoyed?

Neat in a tulip glass at room temperature. At 43% it takes a couple of drops of water, but it is fine without. Let it stand a couple of minutes so the heather comes through.