After dinner at the in-laws, I had a hankering for a night-cap and thought that I would try to clear out some of the inventory in the hopes that Santa might bring me a shiny new bottle if I had created room. I chose a bottle of Dalwhinnie 15 that I have been working on for some time.

The whisky is the color of honey and has a sweet, honey and caramel aroma. The flavor without water is mild with vanilla and heather notes and the faintest hint of cinnamon at the finish. With water, the flavor becomes even mellower and the sharpness fades away.

This is a good example of a Highland whisky and at 86 proof is strong enough to be enjoyed without having an overpowering alcohol flavor. Diageo owns the distillery and it happens to be the highest-elevation working distillery in Scotland. Besides the 15, Dalwhinnie markets an 18 year old as well.