whisky review 154 - Dalwhinnie 15yo

[@jayrharris21]

I purchased a bottle for a buddy as a Christmas gift, I don't deny that I fully expected to have a sip for my kindness! Of course, he obliged. As I normally take shots (of American whiskey), I didn't think I would have an appreciation for a beverage like this... Man was I wrong. Sipping this was amazing. Thanks for the time and effort you put into your reviews!

[@PeterMackay66]

It's become my habit, eery time I buy a new bottle, to turn to your reviews - your very many reviews! - and see what you have to say about it as I taste a dram myself. I love that you always have something to say about the history of the distillery and the way that a particular expression has been developed. Tasting the whisky is pleasant enough, but you add a touch more to the experience. For which many thanks!

[@papersplease]

I'm doing that right now with a fresh Dalwhinnie 15 bottle cracked open.

[@Tetrahedragon2]

He's such a man, see the look of pride in his eyes having picked that beautifully hideous jumper? Amazing.

[@jovetvikfaye-lund2388]

Tetrahedragon2 He is THE man:-) Love this review

[@senorbautista6143]

Tetrahedragon2 This is not the fashion channel fellow.

[@Lawful_Rebel]

Tetrahedragon2 It looks well toasty though 😀 haha

[@rohaihuparaguay]

Your reviews are like a good whisky itself; warm, comforting, with complex flavors and subtle unexpected notes, ... fully delicious. Great service you are doing here. I am really enjoying these reviews. That new jumper is just the icing on the cake.

[@noidea4name]

And 9 years later I'm watching this video again. 😊 Thank you Ralfy! 👌🏻👍🏻

[@900nrg]

Legendary review

[@sklim2009]

Ralphy, I think it's time for a re-review, a lot can happen in 5 years!

[@alisuperhornet]

Yes! Re-review plz, Ralfy!

[@unixnerd23]

Can't help but think you're right. Quality of this doesn't seem quite what it used to be.

[@JETJOOBOY]

sklim2009 especially as it is on offer on Ocado and I have a £30 voucher to spend

[@JETJOOBOY]

unixnerd23 Really? Worth a Pop for £36? Or should I try Glenfiddich 15 year old?

[@ADSCP]

I dont think Ralfy would rate it 90 again. Is not even an itegrity malt.

[@shehzadyousufali]

0:09 Did Ralfy just say the words of House Stark a year before Game of Thrones even aired?

[@Wallstreetbull88]

And the Stark whisky from Diageo is Dalwhinnie :D How did he know? :D

[@Jack-rk7jc]

Time is a flat circle. Can't believe this lol OP didn't even know 2 years ago that this would be the same whiskey that represents house Stark. My mind is blown

[@nabilromero-zurita7425]

he was a visionary hahaha

[@liambairstow1125]

even stranger the house stark whisky release is a dalwhinnie

[@grdonner]

Thanks Ralfy, This is a delicious whisky. Michael Jackson in his book on single malts gives it a lowly 76 and doesn't seem very impressed. I think I agree more with you.

[@highlandparker7912]

grdonner jim murray rated 95. For me its between both opinions 😆

[@olhemi1]

Awesome job on the Video, I poured a wee dram and sipped it as I watched your video, it was fun sharing a dram with you

[@AMMA-Das]

I haven't tried this one yet, but I plan on it. I'm shocked and pleased that you gave it a 90, especially being a Diageo malt. I'm guessing chill filtered and possibly colored somewhat, though this one doesn't look it

[@brycerajan]

Would love you to do a re-review of this one!

[@thewhippetwhispereretal4438]

Thanks for this helpful review . I think that jumper will stick in my memory for a long time !

[@The_Bookshelf_Life]

You were quite preoccupied by the fireplace situation, and so was I! Funny stuff!

[@sonick808]

So glad I found your channel! I have been into cigars and pipe tobacco for years, I am now climbing the ladder to their cousin, scotch whiskey! Thanks so much for the reviews.

[@foxhound5702]

Haha Ralfy i don't know if you realised or not but you basically reviewed the entire thing by 4:50. Great review though, slowly making my way through all of your vids... only been watching you for about 5 days now and i have to say im very impressed with how knowledgeable you are.

[@karadordarkraven]

Been to Dalwhinnie when I was younger, wonderful place!

[@stormrealestate]

Just had this for the first time last night. Appreciate your remarks about criticisms agains light whisky. Frankly I loved it, and loved it because it was so light and crisp. So happens I also enjoy Highland Park, and, when the mood strikes, the punch of a Lagavulin. For me there is no one Scotch for all occasions and moods.

[@Sulkanator]

I damn near spit out my dram when you stepped into the screen with that cozy outfit on.

[@domanz1]

Bought it yesterday because I was searching for an herby, honey-sweet whisky, since I lacked one of those in my collection. Boy was I surprised. The fairly cheap price made me doubt the quality of this spirit, but thankfully, Dalwhinnie once again shows that prices are misleading. Nice, complex nose, herby floral with loads of honey, a bit sweet caramel and an assortment of mild spices, all topped with a hint of a salty smokeness, reminiscent of a Talisker 10 y.o., but much less intense. Taste was again complex and sweet, with honey, malt, caramel, baked bananas like you get at a chinese restaurant, covered in dough and honey, and finally nuts and again, spices. The finish is quite long and pleasant, yet again with nuts, loads of honey, a bit of bitter chocolate, herbs and creamy alltogether. All in all, for that price, one of the best whiskies I bought in a long time, and surely the one which surprised me the most.

[@meerkat7406]

A very good non-peaty whisky. Love this product. Hope all is well Malty Mates.

[@johnny1873]

I have watched both of your reviews of this one and I find it interesting that you think it has gotten so much worse. I only tried it for the first time in 2021, and I must say, I really like it. First it was great on the nose, but somewhat bitter-strange on the palate. Now, after some time, some other whiskies, and a few more drams, I must say that this is a really good whisky for me, even in 2021. But between 81 and 86 seems about right.

[@FMichael1970]

This is a fine scotch whisky for those such as myself who are somewhat new to the world of whisky...Soft, smooth, honey, floral, and with a slightly sweet/smoky flavor...Not sure why, but it reminds me a bit of the Balvenie 14 yr Caribbean Cask which also happens to be a great scotch whisky as well.

[@Sonnyboyx2]

hi Ralfy, i have been following your reviews now for 12 months and thanks to you i have myself a fantastic little collection of your top recommendations. my No1 is Aberlour Abundah

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Last Shabbos (Saturday) I was at a synagogue Bar Mitzvah Kiddush meal where they had some Dalwhinnie 15 there. I havent't had a Dalwhinnie in over 15 years but seeing as the alternative was Glenmorangie or Cardhu I went for the Dalwhinnie. Even from a plastic cup I found it really really enjoyable. I wanted to see what Ralfy made of this so did a search and watched this. I'm really pleased that my tasting notes pretty much match Ralfy's, except the tea notes. I see why he mentions this now. Many reviewers mention a slight peat note. Interesting that Ralfy doesn't mention this. I also did not notice it but there is only a limit to what you can taste through a plastic cup! For a typical chill-filtered+E150a Diageo, 90 points is very high. I doubt Ralfy would give it such high marks today?

[@jsbarto1]

I bought my first bottle of Dalwhinnie in December--and it's perfect for me--very smooth, light, and slightly fruity--and thank goodness the Henderson Hall "Vineyard" keeps it in stock--they have a very good selection of single malts--and the price ($59.99) is considerably less than the nearby Virginia ABC outlets.

[@arcflashvictim]

American whiskey fantastic! I am a hugh fan of enjoying a large variety of this wonderful nectar........in moderation. Can I recommend that you try a Tasmanian whisky called 'Hellyers Road'. No need to review it, but if you have not tried it I think that you will be pleasantly surprised. Although give it time in the bottle about 2/3 full for a few months and it really comes to life. Thanks for another great review. Looking forward to some American reviews, I love one called 'Bookers Noe'.

[@chrisinston427]

Going to Laxey Woollen Mills tomorrow to get the wife some new socks. Dalby to Laxey - I may need to bring sandwiches and a flask. Great review as always. Good health sir.

[@avann66]

Just visited the distillery today and your review is spot on!

[@warrendevine1561]

Great Whisky and price point - on sale $60 - bought the last 2 bottles - Ralfy, I agree - 90 malt mark

[@howardweinberg]

I've been drinking Dalwhinnie 15 for more than a decade. It's always available in litre bottles in every airport duty free (except Canadian airports about where one should find a rye). It is what I order in pubs and bars to introduce people to single malts. But I also keep it in my cabinet at home as a very satisfying representative of several of the wonderful characteristics of great malts -- honey, peat, spice and a dry tea note. I don't put the teaspoon of water in mine, but I may start to -- I've done that with Pulteney 12 as Ralfy suggested and it did bring out the characteristics. I commend Diageo for not screwing up Diageo 15. (As Ralfy opined, the Blue Label Distiller's Edition is not worth considering -- just try a bottle of the regular 15.) Brava Diageo! Wish I could say it more frequently.

[@Beaglev4]

Howard Weinberg @

[@ChicagoHOG27]

All I will say is the Distiller's Edition 1997 Double Matured Dalwhinnie (15 yr) has become my favorite scotch... I have burned through four bottles in three months, and now I'm having it specially ordered in bulk, simply because it's awesome! And while I've never had the basic 15 yr, I can at least say the one I mentioned is my solid go-to.

[@wesleytaylorviadomus]

Hello Ralfy, thanks again for your recommends of malts. I have the money, so money is no object, this time. I have never tried the Dalwhinnie 15. Can you please order the level of these single malts in the smoothness factor. 1 being the smoothest, 5 being the least smoothest. Dalwhinnie 15, Macallan 12, Balvenie 12, highland park 12, and Achentaushan 12. Thanks W.T.

[@Tantrum777]

Great review! I am very excited you are doing some American stuff! Can't wait for that! Cheers Ralfy!

[@wesleytaylorviadomus]

Thanks for emailing me back Ralfy. I totally agree, too smooth a scotch can result to less flavor. Thats the case with Chivas Regal 18. Very smooth, almost like johnnie walker blue label, but lacks alot of flavor. I also have one more question. Soon I will be trying the Royal Salute Chivas Regal 21 year old. Will it have less or more flavor than the 18 year old. P.S. My father thinks the Royal Salute 21 is smoother than Johhnie Walker Blue Label. W.T.

[@nabilromero-zurita7425]

Ralfy!!! you have to revisit this malt!!! 90? is not a bit way too high??? a nice dram though

[@Bltz1075]

Ralfy, I tried a dram today. Usually what I do is take a sip of it neat, and decide how much water to add, turn on your review then nose and taste it along with you. It makes me appreciate your review all the more. When I tasted it neat, it was smooth and mellow. Then after the water was added it was almost rough and acidic. When I tried it again in a few mins, it was smooth with a lot of flavor. Am I imagining? Have you experienced anything like that? I don't think I added too much water.

[@alexharrington44]

This is one of the first bottles of my scotch journey about 2 years, how I wished it tasted like you describe here😢 Having now nearly completed tasting a dram from every Scottish distillery, it’s not a distillery i look for or would pay solid money for, however I commend Diageo for keeping the price relatively grounded compared to their other single malts, thus I’d still recommend it for new drinkers.

[@tillmerit8431]

After weeks of reading about single malts and trying almost every single malt offerings in my local pubs (limited), My first bottle purchase was Dalwhinnie 15... and I certainly enjoy it. My question is are there any other single malts out there perhaps easier to drink than Dalwhinnie 15??

[@seafoxen]

This is a great whisky! i will recommend this to everyone starting out with single malts

[@saspgmer]

I purchased this bottle on sale for the holiday for $49 and I have to say this is pretty smooth stuff. I have pretty much tried all Major brands and was pleasantly surprised. going to get another.

[@briand2507]

This might have slipped a bit. recent bottle (Q2 2014) had an obvious amount of color, almost orange. It seemed a bit acidic and not as complete and gentle as in the past. Bummer as this is still on my top 3 list... might give it another go.

[@falcon81701]

Seems a very good value drop indeed. Thanks again Ralfy...nice jumper by the way ;)

[@markiek101]

I recently visited this Distillery, two comments. I found out that Dalwhinnie no longer does their own malting at the distillery. Instead they contract another company to do so! Also, the distillery chimneys are designed like Japanese Pagodas! Oh, and Dalwhinnie has a cask strength bottling, which explodes with honey intensity when water is added.

[@Lindholmer5k]

So I just purchased this in a tiny baby bottle, as my first ever whisky.. And to my surprice its super smooth, not at all what I expected whisky to be like, and even less smoke in it than HSE Très Vieux Rhum Agricole wich is what made me think to try a whisky in the first place, because i really enjoy that rum. Anyway, what ralfy describes as lemon, i find to be more of a puke/vomit kind of taste. is there any whisky out there that has non of that, and more smokey flavor, but still equaly sweet and smooth as this one? Allso i would love a a tad higher alcohol content, closer to 50%

[@JohnnyNorfolk]

This is a very good malt indeed.Just bought it on Amazon for £23.50 post paid.

[@SERESurfer]

Just bought a bottle for 39 euros in Be. One of my all time favs. Great review Ralfy! Better restock that empty... Your humble malty marine engineer in the merchant navy.

[@TomClaessens]

+mark vietz I also bought a bottle last year in Belgium... must admit, it's one of the finest I ever tasted.

[@nichtdiemama11]

So far I've only tried Glenfiddich 12, Highland Park 12 and Dalwhinnie 15. Dalwhinnie is by far my favourite. I'm not experienced enough yet to tell exactly why I prefer it, except that I did not like the smoky peaty aroma of Highland Park. Any suggestions what I should try next (50€/0.7L max.)?

[@Bomshankan]

If you like this style I would suggest you try out the Oban 14 or maybe the Oban Little Bay. Oban has the same herbal, moorish notes, but with some additional marine influences. You could also go the way of Balblair which has a more fruity distillate. Glenfarclas 12 is more towards the Speyside style and the Glenfiddich, but has more sherry and bread. Keep trying new things! Sláinte

[@TheAnandaXX]

Never let the house burning down get in the way of another cracking reveiw : )

[@avin1973]

Just tried yesterday, very good dram. Love the bottle.

[@abasford1]

I agree with a re-review

[@aleksanderk6765]

Me too!

[@fxvsdx35]

Re review soon, hopefully.....

[@cursor1999]

seconded. about 80% through a bottle right now and finding it quite delightful! over 100 degrees fahrenheit in southern california today and this is one of the few I can do in a frosty glencairn this time of year. glenmorangie and balvenie also do nicely ;)

[@fxvsdx35]

Very enjoyable indeed. If you have Costco nearby see if they still have the Glenmorangie 10 yo in stock. Old Poultney 12yo and Navigator are greatly priced in double pack. Good luck

[@Domitianvs]

Whisky reviews and fashion show in one! I wouldn't be surprised if LVMH comes knocking on your door!

[@honestlynate7922]

Just bought a bottle last night and it wasnt very good to be honest. I found it sharp and sour. Im going to revisit it later this week. Maybe a rereview sir?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . it has changed, and I'm not rushing to buy another bottle !

[@finickybits8055]

He walks in, says winter is coming. Nine years later, Dalwhinnie makes a House Stark run, lol

[@livealoneinatree5780]

Whoa, 90! Can't say I enjoyed this one at all. Ah well, horses for courses, and all that.

[@alexbelanger]

How does this compare with the Dalwhinnie Distiller's Edition 1998? I really like it but maybe I should have gone for the 15yr old.

[@dankro279]

Hey Ralfy, thanks for these entertaining and informative, no, I say EDUCATIVE reviews. I enjoy them regularly and often try out some of your recomendations. Sometimes you refer to a single malt as "rederly available". Now sorry to ask, I am not familiar with scottish accent (which sound very pleasant, even adorable to me, at least the way you speak it). Do you mean "rarely available" or "really available". Would be quite essential to know. Thanks for an answer.

[@Paxmax]

While I cannot lay any claim to posess any wide or deep knowledge of whisky, I do recommend Dalwhinnie as a nice entry into whisky/single malts. Just because it is very well rounded, there is nothing to cause offence which is it's strenght and small weakness, also the two bottles I've done with about 4yrs apart felt consistent. Bio: TLDR: I am a fan of peaty whisky like Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig... have gotten tired of Talisker(but it is one hell of a ride!). Some whiskeys I do detest to the point of refuse to drink beyond first (and last) glass(Glen Morangie 10, Highland Park 12, Jura(10), Jura Superstition, and there is one more... Hmmm.) Some are good but would not buy another bottle perhaps (Balblair, many of Balvenie, Caol Ila, Mackmyra Expedition)... so much more to discover.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . all part of the Journey !

[@jamesasteven]

Rafly, Greetings from the US. I am contemplating my next single malt. I am new to the field and have tried JWalker Red (terrible), Dalwhinnie 15, and Ardbeg. I really enjoyed Dalwhinnie and Ardbeg and found them each to be excellent in their own right. What would you recommend as the next to expand my experience?

[@bogliwan]

I think the box says those four malts are some of the key components of GL, but there are many other malts in there as well.

[@w0033944]

Hmm, count me as another who's not keen on the jumper, Ralf, but I am (well, me and my dad are) at the moment 2/3rds of the way through a bottle of Dalwhinnie which definitely meets with my (our) approval.

[@CorporateEvolution]

After every video I want to buy almost every whisky reviewed

[@bigmanlizard7326]

would love a re review on this one.. 10 years how time flies

[@quickclot1]

My favorite aspect of this malt was it's color, felt like drinking liquid gold. I bought it for it's smoothness, but I didn't think it was as smooth as highlandpark or glenmorangie.

[@sonick808]

Love the new look also!

[@TheArneSaknussemm]

I find the fire exploding and the change of jumper to be no coincidence :)

[@danielstermole1234]

I thought the mention of the chameleon whisky was interesting. Note in the beginning of the video he changed colors himself with a new garment! And further does it refer to this dram being colored and chill filtered? I think so. What this whisky would be at 46%, non chill filtered and natural color! Tis a shame...

[@cskamoskva]

I'm really looking forward to the american stuff to come! Keep it going!

[@johnburns2485]

Anyone have any thoughts on the Distillers Editions? I know Rafly's not a fan of maturation in multiple casks.

[@pdmmdk]

I like your accent :D btw: Have not tasted that many whiskeys, but out of 4 I have tasted, Dalwhinnie was the best!

[@Cypeq]

That nose is turning my smile'o'meter way up! Fresh apple juice and tiny little pleasant smoke. I think this is very well crafted malt all possible flaws are just perfectly counterbalanced at least that's what I noticed.

[@deinfluencing]

Had another round of this at a pub last night... was pleasantly rewarded with dry autumn notes.. mostly sweet... I like it a lot but not as much as I like $85 (LCBO price)

[@chrish12345]

Its interesting when you say this would be a natural step for a blend-head - but maybe a person used to the rough caramel enhanced blends would more naturally go for Laphroaig and then move gradually on to the more subtle ones?

[@tellyaddict]

Would be nice if he let us have a glance at that fireplace for the complete rustic bothy experience!

[@purelife1944]

Hi Ralfy, What do you think of the Dalwhinnie distillers edition please?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . not as good as the standard 15.

[@mu99ins]

Hi Ralfy. I tried J.W. Black Label for the 1st time, which led to your uTube review. And that led to others of yourn, and I've become curious about Scotch whiskys. Tried Glenmorangie, Black Bottle and J.W. Green label subsequently. And since I'm schooling myself on Scotch , I think it only natural that I do so sporting a Scottish jumper, much like you "model" on your vlogs. Could you post up a teensy response and spell out the names "Manks" and "Speksie", so I can find a dealer? Thanks.

[@davidwilson4716]

Please review the Dalwhinnie distillers edition

[@j1bc]

was that really 12 years ago! great review from a fresh faced mere youth of a ralfy

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . time flies.

[@Dotsirammi]

5/5 drinks,cheers! Good show..and good Im not onlyone who have half-full bottles of whiskey;)

[@fr.timothycurren5592]

Ralfy, I I know this is a few years on but I bought a bottle of this and I can't get past the alcohol both in the nose and the flavor. I've let it sit, I've added some water, but I'm just not enjoying it and I really thought I would based on this review and others. Could I have a bad bottle?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . it's been a few years since this review and much may have changed, and I have not bought a bottle for a few years now ! Give it a few weeks then come back to the bottle and if there is still an issue with the quality get a second opinion then ask the seller if they agree you might have a bad batch, sometimes it's just a medication or food/illness thing, then sometimes it's just a rather bad malt !!! good luck.

[@TheJoker2484]

The benromach was wonderfull stuff hope this lives up to my expectations

[@shuboy05]

In his Highland Park review, I recall Ralfy comparing the bottle shape (of HP12) to a Bulleit Bourbon bottle. Judging by that name drop, I'm betting Bulleit will be getting a review along with Four Roses (another Bourbon that's also been name dropped quite a bit).

[@blackwing48507]

See you soon too thanks

[@MNightTomalan]

This is £30 on Amazon right now. Might have to pick some up.

[@4ll4nb31l]

Any plans to rereview this whisky in more depth and is the mark still up to date?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . yes, later this year.

[@4ll4nb31l]

ralfydotcom thats awesome news maltmates

[@TheTrueCountryGhoul]

I love to drink this when i am watching Outlander.

[@mirqo9685]

Ralfy dear malt mate, is it still so good as it use to be some 4 y ago?

[@saspgmer]

Hey Ralfy. Do you know the Scotch whiskey that is being drunk in the movie " When Eight Bells Toll" ? Thanks!

[@iancrombie8862]

Is it coloured...chill filtered???Anyone know??🙄

[@kingofalldoughboys]

I buy this whisky at my local Trader Joe's market for US $49.00...I believe that's roughly £30.00. I think that's a good price for a great whisky.

[@Fretmaster0384]

I love Dalwhinnie! I get it for right about the same price, worth every penny in my opinion.

[@RobertKaydoo]

Arrggg...I just paid $69.00 for this at BevMo! in Phoenix.

[@foxhound5702]

RobertKaydoo I live in aus and i paid 75 bucks for my bottle... don't feel too bad

[@Bynming]

kingofalldoughboys It's $90 here in eastern Canada. Feels horrible :(

[@foxhound5702]

Carl M How much does a bottle of crown royal cost in canada?

[@magezimagezi]

Green label is made of Cragganmore, Linkwood, Talisker and Caol Ila

[@WyattAcoustic]

I see you enjoyed that bottle ; ) thats how you know you like them

[@BozoTheBear]

hi ralfy - did you know you can now upload 15 minute videos? not saying they need the extra 5 mins, but if you think you're running out of time, don't worry! also, what do you think about maybe doing some reviews of 18yo's, like HP, talisker, etc. whiskies that are a little bit more pricy, but not ridiculous.... maybe so we can work out what might be worth saving up for.

[@dankro279]

Hi Ralfy. Here in Germany, I regularly purchase Whisky from a shop that is called "From the cask" where they offer - you guessed it - Whisky and all kinds of spirits directy from small 20 l casks, apparently those are not the original casks. Sometimes it is difficult to find out what is really in it, because they only name it: "MacDuff 26yr" or "Linkwood 11yr" - normally Whiskys you cannot find in bottles in any stores. Is it safe to taste them anyway despite their doubtful origin?

[@TheOperator150]

Ralfy, I had given up on enjoying scotch whiskey until I was given this 15yr dalwhinnie... I am amazed how much I enjoy this scotch. My question to you sir is could you suggest a couple more scotch whiskeys along the lines of dalwhinnie for me to try?? Thank you for this incredible channel!!!

[@notdrivingaminimetro]

love Dalwhinnie, great malt

[@ADSCP]

Found the flavor very similar to the JW Green Label

[@smokindave74]

I realize this is old news, ralfy, but that new jumper is splendid! You are a true character.

[@Mrsfatblackchick]

Had this for the first time last night also my first single malt

[@sachinkainth9508]

Ralfy, I've heard that Dalwhinnie isn't actually the highest distillery. Is this true?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . yes !