A classic for you this month in the shape of Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old. It’s easy to overlook this gem of a malt as it has always been on our shelves, but I had forgotten until recently just how bloomin’ tasty this malt is. I still remember this being the one that started my love affair with Single Malt Whisky.
Technically a Highland malt but it has a lot of similarities with a Speyside, even taking its water from a tributary of the river Spey. This distillery is well worth a visit and being just off the A9, running through the highlands on the edge of the Cairngorms about an hour north of Perth, it’s easy to find. There are few malts where the overall package is so polished, from the soft enticing nose of honey and a slight whiff of peat to the palate that is soft and harmonious, medium bodied, sweet and fragrant.
This was the last distillery I visited in September and apart from being extremely friendly and informative they have a unique tasting experience pairing their malt with dark chocolate after your tour. Even if it’s too far for a visit try this pairing for yourselves at home it really is a revelation.
I tend to recommend Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old to customers who are not sure of the style they want to buy when it’s a gift for someone else, as it ticks all the boxes from first timers to hardened whisky aficionados.
Slàinte.
