Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength Centenary Edition
70cl / 56.1%
£149.00
- Cask type: Bourbon
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
Tasting Notes
Rich notes of butterscotch, blossom, peaches syrup
Manuka honey, vanilla, hints of smoke, nutmeg
Long finish with marzipan and malt
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A limited-edition Cask Strength bottling commemorating Dalwhinnie's 100th anniversary with intense Bourbon cask character.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Dalwhinnie / Distillery Bottling / Scotland, Highlands |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 15 Years Old / Distilled c. 1983 / Bottled 1998 (Centenary) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 56.1% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Bourbon Seasoned Oak Casks |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (Assumed based on late 90s prestige release context) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Likely NCF due to high ABV and presentation) |
| Cask Strength | Yes (56.1% ABV) |
| Bottle count / Outturn | 5,000 bottles (Limited Edition) |
| Intended channel | Limited Release / Collector Market |
| Packaging | Standard Dalwhinnie bottle shape with Centenary labeling, usually boxed |
| Notes on discrepancies | This Cask Strength 56.1% ABV version (5,000 bottles) is distinct from the more common 43% ABV Centenary Edition. |
Historical Context
The Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength Centenary Edition was commissioned by the distillery to mark its 100th anniversary in 1998, commemorating the founding year of 1898.3 Positioned as a prestige limited release during the pivotal era of the Classic Malts marketing initiative, this bottling provided a rare, uncompromised view of the distillery’s spirit.
Dalwhinnie is known for its elegant, honeyed Highland profile. The decision to release the 15-year-old expression at 56.1% ABV was a deviation from the standard, milder 43% bottling strength. This choice was made to allow the full spectrum of the spirit's flavour compounds, developed during 15 years of maturation, to manifest without the dulling effect of heavy dilution. The liquid originates from spirit distilled circa 1983. The finite outturn, confirmed at 5,000 bottles, ensured its immediate status as a collectible item.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The spirit was matured exclusively in Bourbon Seasoned Oak Casks. This maturation choice preserves the delicate, floral, and honeyed characteristics of the Dalwhinnie new make, concentrating these notes through 15 years of slow aging. The 56.1% ABV is the defining feature, delivering the intense experience of the whisky directly from the cask.
Documented variants
The term "Centenary Edition" applies to both a high-strength (56.1% ABV, 5,000 bottles) and a standard-strength (43% ABV) bottling released around 1998. The Cask Strength version is the significantly more valuable collectible, making verification of the ABV essential.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Age | Bottled Year | Cask Type | Outturn | Relative desirability |
| 56.1% | 15 Years | 1998 | Bourbon Cask | 5,000 bottles | Very High (Limited edition, cask strength purity) |
| 43% | 15 Years | 1998 | Bourbon Cask | Not stated | Moderate (Equivalent to standard 15YO expression) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
ABV Confirmation: The highest priority is verifying the 56.1% ABV to confirm this specific limited-edition variant.
Outturn: The confirmation of a precise 5,000 bottle outturn is a vital marker for its limited scarcity.
Presentation Box: The Centenary bottling was typically released with a commemorative box. The presence and excellent condition of this box are significant factors in realizing the maximum secondary market valuation.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The "Cask Strength" designation guarantees that the 56.1% ABV reflects the natural strength, ensuring maximum flavour and mouthfeel retention. The use of Bourbon Seasoned Oak is clearly stated, detailing the spirit's maturation pathway.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The flavour profile is an intensive, yet refined, presentation of the classic Dalwhinnie character.
Nose: The aroma is rich, defined by Manuka honey and complex vanilla notes. Underlying sweetness suggests butterscotch, complemented by delicate floral hints of blossom and peaches. There is a signature presence of light, smoky malt.
Palate: Despite the high strength, the mouthfeel is notably silky and rich. The taste delivers concentrated flavours of honey, vanilla, warm oak, and barley. The higher ABV accentuates subtle spicy notes, notably nutmeg and ginger.
Finish: Long and deeply rewarding. The conclusion features lingering notes of malt and marzipan, indicating a satisfyingly complex maturation.
With water: Dilution is beneficial at this strength (56.1% ABV). Water is recommended to reduce the intensity, which opens up the deep floral and honeyed structure, preserving the silky texture and extending the persistence of the flavour profile.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Pricing is robust, reflecting the high collector appeal of limited-edition, high-strength releases from well-regarded distilleries.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 250.00 - GBP 350.00. This range reflects the highly desirable scarcity of the Cask Strength variant among specialist retailers.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): GBP 180.00 - GBP 250.00.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (Specialist UK) | Current | 70cl, 56.1% ABV | GBP 350.00 | High-end retail stock |
| Retail (Specialist UK) | Current | 70cl, 56.1% ABV | GBP 149.00 | Retail asking price, may reflect earlier data or specific stock acquisition costs |
Pricing stratification: The 56.1% Cask Strength Centenary is highly valued, distinguishing itself substantially from the standard 43% version. Pristine condition, including the commemorative packaging, is essential for high valuation.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Moderate liquidity. This product is a steady performer in the secondary market, sought after by collectors specifically interested in vintage, high-proof Highland malts.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Dalwhinnie distillery is celebrated for its consistently smooth and gentle Highland style.4 This Centenary edition is a powerful counterpoint to its milder flagship products, showcasing the spirit’s strength and depth.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras
Target the 15 Year Old Centenary Edition, exclusively confirming the 56.1% ABV strength, bottled in 1998.
Red flags to avoid
Misidentification of the ABV, which significantly devalues the bottle if mistaken for the 43% variant.
Condition thresholds
Excellent fill levels are standard for a 1998 bottling. The presence and condition of the original centenary box are paramount.
Margin/velocity expectations
Consistent velocity in specialist markets, driven by its status as a highly successful, limited commemorative release.
