Now for the 3rd and final installment in our 3 part review of Master of Malt Whisk(e)y Samples.  Since G-lo went with his taste and took the full bodied and smoky Caol Ila 17 sample and the ROK went for the Old Fitzgerald 12 sample,  I got a chance go with something more my style and sample the spicy Dalwhinnie 15 sample from the Scottish Highlands.

This lovely malt whisky, provided by Master of Malt, is not new to the Booze Dancers (click here to read LimpD’s previous review) but certainly deserves a more in depth review.

The bottler’s website gives this description:

“One of the highest of all Highland distilleries, Dalwhinnie produces a welcomingly gentle spirit that’s full of character.  Smooth and soft with heather, honey and delicate spice, creamy not dry. A single malt with smoothness and depth that benefits from a full 15 year of aging.”

Here’s my take:

• Appearance: Golden straw color with long legs in the glass.
• Aroma: There is not much of a nose to this spirit.  Peppery & spicy aroma with subtle hints of fruit and honey.
• Body: Despite the long legs the mouthfeel is thin and light bodied
• Taste: The taste follows the nose in reverse.  On the tongue this starts with subtle fruit and sweetness but quickly moves to warm white pepper and cinnamon.
• Finish: Long pleasant warming sensation of pepper and spice.
• ABV: 43%

The Dalwhinnie is described as “The Gentle Malt” and I couldn’t think of a better description.  It is light and balanced but still has a nice warm peppery flavor.  Neat the alcohol can over power the flavors and make for a harsh finish.  With water the flavors do not evolve but the hard alcohol edges get smoothed over and the flavors come through.

Final verdict:  This whisky is a great value, always reasonably priced, especially considering 15 years of the distiller’s patience went into making this it.  This is a spirit I would recommend for the whisky drinker who is looking to step up from lower end simple whiskys,  as a gift for whisky drinker when you don’t know their exact taste, or for someone who wants to add a whisky to their bar that would appeal to a wide range of drinkers.  Give it a try and enjoy!

____________________________________________________

For more information about Master of Malt, click on the links below:

Website: www.masterofmalt.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/masterofmalt.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/masterofmalt.com