Dalwhinnie 1998 Distillers Edition Single Malt

Dalwhinnie 1998 Distillers Edition Single Malt

Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition 1998 / 2015 is fully matured in Oloroso Sherry casks. Each Distillers Edition whiskey undergoes a second (or double) maturation in barrels that have contained wine. Dalwhinnie appreciates the degree to which oloroso sherry dominates, but the notes of heather honey do not obscure the distillation process.

Scent: Fresh sherry embraces the more malty and honeyed aspects of Dalwhinnie. Peaty and surprising, but with heather. Spicy, but with grapes, dark chocolate, malt, honey, floral notes.
Taste: Sherry, lots of sweetness and fruity undertones. A big, spicy tension followed by an impressive build-up of very clear, distinct malt. After a quick burst of sweetness, a full grape effect shifts to the middle.
Ending: More sweetness, clearly recognizable honey.

Distilled in 1998 bottled in 2015, Special release D.SW.312 Limited edition, double matured

About the Distillery:

No other distillery is allowed to use the water from Lochan an Doire Uaine – “Loch of the green thicket” – a collection of pure snowmelt and rainwater high in the Drumochter Hills. This may be why Dalwhinnie Scotch is the only Highland whiskey that offers a combination of clean and approachable, salty-sweet flavor with a smooth and smokeless warmth. This may also be why Dalwhinnie releases her full honey when served chilled or over ice.

When it was purpose-built in 1897, the distillery was first called Strathspey. Perhaps looking to differentiate their already distinctive whisky, the owners soon changed the name to Dalwhinnie when production began in 1898. It means “Plain of Meetings” in Gaelic, a reference to the location at a crossroads of old traveled roads, between two mountain ranges .

Although beautiful and ancient, the site is not without its drawbacks: a fire in 1934 caused a four-year closure, with rebuilding hampered by bitterly cold winters and twenty-foot snow drifts.