The 2020 Special Releases are an annual collection of limited-edition natural cask strength Scotch whiskies that feature rare and unusual releases from some of Scotland’s most loved distilleries.
From the highest distillery in Scotland, part of her coldest inhabited community, Dalwhinnie is a mountain malt. It is as well adapted to its location and as lively in taste as the nearby mountain hares that box for supremacy in spring..
A very limited high-aged release of only 6.978 bottles available worldwide.
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.
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.