A fine Dalwhinnie with astonishing intensity for its age; even more vibrant and warming than will be expected from younger expressions, and easiest to enjoy with a drop of water.

Appearance: Deep gold, straw.  Good beading.

Nose: Mellow in feel, with some prickle, and slightly dry. The aroma is reserved, dusty and somewhat closed to start with. Sweet and fragrant with moorland scents and dried herbal notes, subtle traces of butterscotch and boiled sweets, and a pencil-box base of new wood. Adding water brings up a subtle hint of match striker.

Body: Medium.

Palate:  At natural strength, smoothly creamy and slightly astringent in texture, the vibrant taste richly sweet overall, with a drying, gradually building peppery-spicy warmth. With a good drop of water the taste profile is barely altered, but the taste is now more even-tempered as well as sweet and spicy, and clean and fresh too.

Finish: Long and warming. Water cools the heat, yet leaves some warm spice in the aftertaste.