Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : Dalwhinnie - Highlands

American and European Oak Casks 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2015

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Dalwhinnie also needed its own its NAS. This has been the case since 2015. The concept is that this Winter's Gold was inspired by the cold climate of the northern part of the Highlands from which it comes, at 1164 feet above sea level. The juice is distilled during the coldest months of the year, and is even recommended to be served ice cold. Given that cold is reputed to take the flavour out of whisky, I doubt the relevance of this advice.

 

 

 

Let"s Taste It : 

It's creamier and more indulgent than the 15-year-old. Chantilly, vanilla, acacia honey, floral touches, with fruit and caramel, apricot tart, a zest of orange, candied lemon and condiments. A very fine pinch of salt. The palate is lighter but the vanilla is still predominant, the fruit is fuller, gingerbread, cereals sprinkled with cinnamon and a few discreet spices, cloves, ginger. The finish is correct, with roots and dark chocolate, black radish, dry earth, dates and a hint of forest notes.

 

In Short, 

Honestly, I found it better than the 15-year-old. The flavours are clearer and more tasty. It's much less austere and more expressive. More modern, in other words. Incidentally, it's a little more expensive, and that doesn't shock me. I tasted it at room temperature, though.

Score : 84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           She Drew the Gun - Washed in Blue