Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold

Situated high in the Grampian mountains, Dalwhinnie is near the geographical centre of Scotland. For centuries Dalwhinnie has been a meeting place, principally for the cattle drovers travelling down from the North, or over from Kintail, Skye and the Hebrides,to the main markets at Crieff and Falkirk in the south. It is probable that an illicit still existed at that time at Dalwhinnie to meet these travellers needs. The drovers journey was long and arduous, requiring frequent resting periods. Dalwhinnie is a wonderfully full-bodied, smooth and warming malt whisky. In the nose is broad, firm, smooth and clean, yet with a compelling, sweet, honeyed, dessert character. Fragrant, smooth waxiness underscores glimpses of fruit. In the palate has a balancing ripe autumn-fruit tartness. Growing spicy, with gingerbread; then denser with rich malt loaf, molasses and mint; and later soft, distant smoke. The finnish is lingering and comforting with a pleasingly chewy conclusion. Smooth and unctuous with sweet malt, raisins and dark chocolate. From the coldest distillery in Scotland, Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold works best served after 24 hours in the freezer, with a super-chilled glass.