Review by: TOModera

Had this one (and wrote this) on the third day of Fan Expo, and I’m basically a Zombie. And not in the way that most people are Zombies at Fan Expo. No. Turns out walking around all day, eating pizza and pulled pork, and then pouring alcohol on it, all together, sucks the energy out of you. It was awesome.

So after watching a bunch of celebrities and awesome cosplays, I decided that I needed a drink. Nothing fancy, just one of the Beginner Drams, the Dalwhinnie 15 year.

Dalwhinnie is set in the mountain region of the Highlands, and as such, is the Highest distillery in Scotland. Well, until some laws are passed, and then the “Green Kush Benson” distillery starts up, and that moniker won’t be around too often, what with the new green label in town.

Only 10% of Dalwhinnie is sold as single malt, with the rest used in Black & White blends. That doesn’t bode well.

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Distillery: Dalwhinnie Distillery.

Bottler: Distillery Bottling.

Region: Highland.

ABV: 43%.

Age: 15 years.

Cask type: Unknown.

Price: $89.95 (CAD)

Color: Ray of Sunshine

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Nose: Apple juice, white peach, lime, light spice rack, wheat, tiny oak

Very light, and nothing too distinct. Kinda like a non-threatening cast member of a show that was made by a committee. I mean, it’s funny, however, it’s not something you want to watch on a regular basis. Looking at you, Two-Broke Girls.

Taste: Lime, peppery, peach, herbs, apple, light soft pretzel, woodiness, lemon

Mostly just lemon and wood in this one. Reminds me of a cedar planked fish that was over spiced and over cooked.

Finish: Wet driftwood, sour chemical, old basil, cheap suckers (candy), raw celery root

Earthy, sweet, chemically, woody, wet flavoured mess. Like it’s been in the cask too long or has too much colouring or it’s made specifically to be part of a blend.

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Conclusion: Starts nice, and then fails. It’s really too bad. Really, having a beginner Highland isn’t my best bet, especially after a long day at a Convention. I’ve had this one before, and never really been mystified by it. It tastes of old wood and lemon. I’d rate it higher if the finish didn’t suck. Have something else if you have the chance, or only have a dram.

Final Score: 70.

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.