Dalwhinnie 1989 30 Year Old Special Releases 2020

Billy Abbott, The Whisky Exchange

• Nose

  Elegant, with dusty polished oak and slowly building butterscotch to start. The polish notes become treacly, backed up by concentrated orchard fruit: stewed apples and pears. A touch of black liquorice hides underneath, washed over by building fruit. Tarragon and leafy green notes develop.

• Palate

  Rich and creamy with crunchily topped crême brûlée concealing fresh orange and lemon peel under the creaminess. Coffee notes build and gentle black pepper spice isn’t far behind. The butterscotch from the nose pushes through, with toffee and cream in tow.

• Finish

  Toffee fades to leave sweet pear, wax-polished oak and treacle toffee.

• Comment

  Another whisky that pulls out some of the darker side of oak, with dark sugars balanced against solid fruity character.