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Thursday, November 5, 2009

Dalwhinnie 15 YO Single Malt Review


[The reviewer and scores explained.]

Scotch: DALWHINNIE 15 YO Single Malt
Cost: $75
Score: 72 78 (Update after 3 bottles) Scent: Very bland.
Palate: Beautifully sweet, smooth and sweet after taste. Slight smoky honey.
Effect: Up lifting and happy.
Empty glass scent: Slight smoky scent.
Day after: Clean in, clean out after 1/3 bottle.
Bottom line: Great if you like easy going sweet Scotches.

The review:  The 1st thing that caught my attention was the distinct lack of a Scotch scent. No burn, no earth, no spice. It has a scent but it's very subtle. But then you drink it and hmmmm... smooth... warm... sweet... honey... smoke... earth...
I finished my 1st glass and before I knew it, I was back at the bottle sniffing the cork to try and better discern the scent.
Dalwhinnie's pleasure is all in the mouth, and it leaves the nose out in the cold.
I like it and I will be buying another bottle in the future. I was sad to pour Dalwhinnie's last drop.
If it had a stronger scent and more smoke, this would score an 85.
Minor note: The cork didn't quite fit flush against the bottle lip, so if I lay it down it would drip.

(Update after 3 bottles)
This has become my go to Scotch when in doubt. In this price range Dalwhinnie whips the lamas ass ;).

2 comments:

Jason Debly said...

With respect to your comment about a minor drip if the bottle was stored on its side, I think you should be aware of the following: scotch, unlike wine, should not be stored on its side. Scotch should be stored upright in a cool, dark place. Unlike wine, scotch in contact with the cork over a prolonged period of time will detrimentally affect the flavor.

With respect to the rest of your review, I quite agree! Dalwhinnie is a great one.

rayone said...

Jason: Thanks for the comment. The bottle only lasted 4 days.
Cork is used for wine so it can breath. Whisky corks are sealed. In any event I laid in dow so as to conceal it presents briefly, if you know what I mean.

PS: I'm currently drinking a Hennessy XO... absolutely fabulous, with a kind of creepy punch... so you don't feel it until it punches you in the head.