Dalwhinnie
Winter's Gold
- 43
- 70cl
- Taste: 2
- Highlands
John Grant, George Sellar, and Alexander Mackenzie founded Dalwhinnie Distillery in the bleak, wind-swept central Highlands in 1898. Located in the village of Dalwhinnie, in the Cairngorm National Park. The area actually falls into the Speyside region, despite being labelled as a Highland whisky. Chosen for its access to clear spring water from Lochan-Doire-Uaine and abundant peat from the surrounding bogs, the site of the distillery makes it the highest...
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John Grant, George Sellar, and Alexander Mackenzie founded Dalwhinnie Distillery in the bleak, wind-swept central Highlands in 1898. Located in the village of Dalwhinnie, in the Cairngorm National Park. The area actually falls into the Speyside region, despite being labelled as a Highland whisky. Chosen for its access to clear spring water from Lochan-Doire-Uaine and abundant peat from the surrounding bogs, the site of the distillery makes it the highest in Scotland. Their visitors centre lies 1,154 ft (352 m) above sea level.
Winter’s Gold is an indulgent, honeyed Dalwhinnie that is comforting, rich and sweet, with notes of heather and peat and a spicy warmth. From the highest and coldest distillery in Scotland, Winter’s Gold pays homage to its homeland and is best served straight from the freezer. A smooth, deliciously enjoyable single malt.
Official Tasting Notes
Colour - Deep gold; almost polished bronze.
Body - Medium in body. Soft and golden syrup-smooth.
Nose - Broad, firm, smooth and clean, yet with a compelling, sweet, honeyed, dessert character that suggests the indulgence to come. An ever-present fragrant and smooth waxiness underscores higher glimpses of fruit, suggesting a caramel tart on a smear of sharp apricot coulis, or sweet shortcrust pastry offset by orange zest. There’s also a menthol freshness and a modest, smoky note.
Palate - Smoothly honeyed, sweet, comforting and rich- textured with a balancing ripe autumn-fruit tartness. Growing spicy, with gingerbread; then denser with rich malt loaf, suggestions of molasses and mint; and later soft, distant smoke.
Finish - Exquisitely heart-warming: lingering and comforting with a pleasingly chewy conclusion. Smooth and unctuous with sweet malt, raisins and dark chocolate. Growing lightly aromatic, too, with hints of dates and sandalwood.
Winter’s Gold is an indulgent, honeyed Dalwhinnie that is comforting, rich and sweet, with notes of heather and peat and a spicy warmth. From the highest and coldest distillery in Scotland, Winter’s Gold pays homage to its homeland and is best served straight from the freezer. A smooth, deliciously enjoyable single malt.
Official Tasting Notes
Colour - Deep gold; almost polished bronze.
Body - Medium in body. Soft and golden syrup-smooth.
Nose - Broad, firm, smooth and clean, yet with a compelling, sweet, honeyed, dessert character that suggests the indulgence to come. An ever-present fragrant and smooth waxiness underscores higher glimpses of fruit, suggesting a caramel tart on a smear of sharp apricot coulis, or sweet shortcrust pastry offset by orange zest. There’s also a menthol freshness and a modest, smoky note.
Palate - Smoothly honeyed, sweet, comforting and rich- textured with a balancing ripe autumn-fruit tartness. Growing spicy, with gingerbread; then denser with rich malt loaf, suggestions of molasses and mint; and later soft, distant smoke.
Finish - Exquisitely heart-warming: lingering and comforting with a pleasingly chewy conclusion. Smooth and unctuous with sweet malt, raisins and dark chocolate. Growing lightly aromatic, too, with hints of dates and sandalwood.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig