Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:07 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore differences between Dalmore 12 and Dalwhinnie 15 in my comprehensive analysis to determine your preferred choice.
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Dalmore 12 vs Dalwhinnie 15: Comparison
Dalmore 12: A rich aroma filled with dark fruits and chocolate, but the flavor doesn’t fully deliver, leading to a quick, slightly bitter end. Drink neat.
Dalwhinnie 15: Honey and fruit on the nose, smooth and sweet on the palate, with a medium, pleasant finish. Best enjoyed with a drop of water.
Verdict: Both Dalmore 12 and Dalwhinnie 15 offer unique experiences; Dalmore 12 for its aromatic promise and Dalwhinnie 15 for its easy, sweet sipping, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Smoothest Sipping Single Malts
Dalmore 12: Promising Nose, Letdown Finish
- Nose: Dark fruit, citrus, chocolate, cinnamon, plum
- Palate: Apricot, fig, grape, pecan
- Finish: Short, dark fruit, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 12
The Dalmore 12 entices with a delightful aroma of dark fruits, orange, and chocolate, with hints of cinnamon and plum. However, the taste falls short of the initial promise.
While the initial sweetness is pleasant, it quickly becomes overpowering and lacks the complexity some might expect. Adding water doesn’t improve the flavor, and the finish is short-lived with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Despite its awards and intriguing aging process (including time in sherry casks!), some may find the Dalmore 12 doesn’t quite deliver on its full potential.
Key points:
- Appealing aroma of dark fruit, orange, and chocolate with hints of spice.
- Flavor is thin and lacks complexity, sweetness becomes overpowering for some.
- Short finish with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
- Consider exploring other options for a more well-rounded whisky experience.
Dalwhinnie 15: Easy-Drinking Sweet Scotch
- Nose: Honey, pear, apple, smoke
- Palate: Ripe fruit, nutmeg, cinnamon
- Finish: Medium length, toasted malt, roasted nuts
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Balvenie 12
The Dalwhinnie 15 greets the nose with a pleasant aroma of honey, pear, apple, and a hint of smoke. While it feels light-bodied on the palate, it delivers smooth, ripe fruit flavors with a touch of warm spice.
The finish is quick, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of toasted malt and nuts, making it easy to sip and enjoy. Adding a drop of water intensifies the sweet and fragrant notes, revealing hints of oak.
Key points:
- Sweet and smooth with no harshness, smoke, or peat.
- Light-bodied with ripe fruit flavors and a touch of spice.
- Easy-drinking finish with a pleasant aftertaste.
- Not as complex as some other 15-year-old Single Malts, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Dalwhinnie Distillery Facts:
- Founded in 1897 in the Scottish Highlands.
- One of the smallest distilleries in the UK with only two stills.
- Holds the title of Scotland’s highest distillery at 1,154 ft above sea level.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Dalmore 12 | $70 |
| Dalwhinnie 15 | $80 |