Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold

Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold, NAS, 43 %

Here's a sweet little something for you. A relatively new release from Dalwhinnie in the Scottish Highland region. It is quite rare to see new releases from this Diageo owned distillery. Their classic Dalwhinnie 15 YO should be well known to most of you.

I suppose the name of this whisky is supposed to reflect the remote, and I presume chilly, location of the distillery. It is also made from spirit distilled during winter (October to March). Whether or not the season it is distilled has any major impact on the end product is unknown to me. Anyways, to further the winter connection they suggest the whisky is served cold. Quite unusual, and something that will surely shock a few purists. This is not a whisky you must or should serve cold, it is just a suggestion.

I tried it both cold and in room temperature, and I believe I prefer it at room temperature. It was quite drinkable cold as well, though.

You can buy the Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold in Norway at NOK 500 (2875901), in Sweden at SEK 459 (8412201), and in the UK at around GBP 35.

Nose (21/25): Funnily enough I find it to be a bit warm on the nose. Light and fruity with a touch of soft perfume or flowery notes, just as expected from a Dalwhinnie. Vanilla ice-cream with bits of frozen fruit and honey drizzle. Not quite as complex as the 15 YO.

Taste (21/25): Rich and soft mouthfeel. Spicier attack than the 15 YO. Vanilla and light summer fruits (mainly apple). Milk chocolate.

Finish (21/25): Medium long finish. Sweeter now, and the fruits are a bit more pronounced. Lacking a bit in complexity still. Cannot quite single out the individual aromas.

Balance (21/25): A well-above average entry level dram. Simple in a way, but a solid product.

Score (84/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas