Dalwhinnie Winters Gold Single Highland Malt Whisky 43%

There are not many whiskies the producer asks you to put in the freezer. Winter's Gold is one of them — and it genuinely improves for it.

Expert description

Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at 43%.

The bottle is built from whisky distilled in the winter months, when Dalwhinnie's already cold position in the Cairngorms gives the slowest condensing of the year. The producer recommends keeping the bottle in the freezer and pouring the whisky ice cold, where the texture thickens and the sweetness comes forward. It is an unusual recommendation in Scotch whisky, but it makes sense with this particular style.

Tasting notes

Nose

Honey and heather first, then vanilla, ripe fruit and a lightly spiced note. Cool and clean in expression.

Palate

Soft and creamy. Honey, malt and pale fruit, with a full mouthfeel that thickens further when the whisky is cold. The sweetness is clear but never cloying.

Finish

Medium and soft, with honey, vanilla and a mild spiced warmth.

Specifications

Name: Dalwhinnie Winters Gold Single Highland Malt Whisky 43%
Distillery: Dalwhinnie
Region/Country: Highlands Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 43 %
Size: 70 CL
Edition: Winter's Gold
EAN no.: 5000281041094

Flavour profile

Soft · Honeyed · Creamy · Fruity · Clean

Did you know?

Chilling genuinely changes the texture of whisky. At low temperatures the liquid turns more viscous and the sweetness more prominent, while the volatile aromas retreat. That is why Winter's Gold tastes distinctly different from the freezer than from the shelf.

See our full range of Dalwhinnie Whisky

Frequently asked questions about Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold

Should it really go in the freezer?

That is the producer's own recommendation. At low temperature the whisky thickens in texture and the sweetness becomes clearer. Try it both cold and at room temperature — the difference is marked.

Does freezing ruin whisky?

No. The alcohol prevents whisky from freezing, and chilling is reversible. Some aromas step back while the texture and sweetness come forward, but nothing is permanently lost.

What does Winter's Gold mean?

The name refers to the whisky being built from spirit made in the winter months, when Dalwhinnie's cold location gives the slowest condensing of the year.

How does it differ from Dalwhinnie 15 years?

It is sweeter and creamier, carries no age statement and is built to be drunk cold. The 15 year old is drier and more floral and works best at room temperature.

Does it make a good gift?

Yes, not least because the freezer recommendation gives you something to tell. It is soft and easy to approach, with little risk of missing the mark on flavour.

What is Highland whisky known for?

It is Scotland's largest region and the style varies widely. Dalwhinnie sits at the light, honeyed end — see the full spread in our Highland Whisky.