Dalwhinnie – 15 Year Old (70cl, 43%)

This is a 15 year old Dalwhinnie single malt, bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. The distillery uses clear worts and long fermentations, then runs its stills to limit contact between spirit and copper and condenses in worm tubs. That gives a heavy, slightly sulphurous new make, which fifteen years in cask turns into the thick, honeyed, almost sticky character the distillery is known for. The nose is aromatic, with toffee, nectarine, custard, apple blossom and a touch of smoke. On the palate it is malty, with walnuts in honey, vanilla sponge and gentle smoke. The finish is long, with malt, walnut and almond.