Dalwhinnie 2005 Distillers Edition (Bottled 2020)

Appearance: A burnished hue. When swirled, a thin film clings to the glass, and legs form fairly rapidly. Nose: First sniff is quite sweet, dominated by honey and grape juice with hints of nuts and florals in the background. Palate: A smooth, creamy texture. Honey remains the main characteristic, but it tastes less sweet, more like mead. There are also notes of vanilla, cereal grains, and almonds. Finish: Medium in duration. A mild chili warmth begins, interestingly pairing with a sweet blood orange citrus that emerges and then slowly turns slightly salty. The aftertaste is molasses. With Water: Little difference was observed, though the slight alcohol sting became a bit more apparent. Overall: It's been a while since I opened this bottle, and I'd forgotten what a pleasant and easy-drinking spirit it is. It's not complex or astonishing, but that's rare for core range releases from this distillery. It's simply good, and sometimes that's what I'm in the mood for. I acquired this bottle on sale; I'm unsure if it's worth the suggested retail price, but I might buy another once this is gone if the cost doesn't increase significantly.

The underlying notes of vanilla, honey, nuts, and light fruits are very similar to the Dalwhinnie 15. However, there are a few significant distinctions. Firstly, the smoke is somewhat more subdued than in the 15 (where it's already quite mild). On the 2005 DE, the smoke is barely detectable on the nose. It primarily emerges on the finish, and even then, it's dominated by the sweet elements. Additionally, there's more vibrant fruit across the palate, likely due to aging in Oloroso casks. Lastly, there's a noticeable candy-like sweetness on the nose that stands out initially but doesn't linger. I'm undecided on which I prefer, the DE or the 15. It really depends on my preference for smoke at the moment.

In summary: Dissatisfied. Spend your cash on Dalwhinnie 15 and a fine cigar with the change. Smells like honey, flowers, and a hint of vanilla. Classic Dalwhinnie. Though not a potent scotch, it possesses a certain burn similar to higher proof spirits. Blah. A few drops of water smoothed it out, revealing notes of apple and a touch of sweetness. Evaluation based on drinking it straight.

I had a favorable impression of Dalwhinnie 15 years old, so I was enthusiastic when I had the opportunity to try this excellent Distiller's Edition. Sweet honey and floral notes on the nose, with flavors of caramel and walnuts. A touch of peat and cinnamon spice. $100 is a reasonable price for this bottle.

Absolutely amazing. The tastes are fantastic and really stand out. So much superior to the regular Dalwhinnie 15...

Extremely smooth, an excellent scotch for sipping. I will absolutely purchase this repeatedly!