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About Dalwhinnie Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Dalwhinnie, Scotland. Founded in 1897
Scotland’s “Gentle Spirit” from the Roof of the Highlands
If there’s one word that sums up Dalwhinnie, it’s gentle. Not soft or simple, just welcoming — like a warm scarf and a mug of something strong on a snowy day. Perched over 1,100 feet above sea level, Dalwhinnie holds the title of one of the highest distilleries in Scotland. And you feel it — the cold, the clean mountain air, the crisp spring water. Every drop of their whisky carries a touch of the wild Highland landscape.
Founded in 1897 and originally known as Strathspey Distillery, Dalwhinnie sits right at the heart of the Cairngorms, tucked in where the old drovers' roads met. After more than a century of history, a fire, a few changes in ownership, and a whole lot of whisky, it has become one of the most beloved distilleries in Scotland. It’s also part of the Classic Malts collection — a clear nod to its signature Highland style.
Taste Profile
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Sweet |
Oaky / Woody | Malty / Cereal |
Dalwhinnie isn’t trying to overwhelm you. Instead, it builds layers — soft malt, gentle sweetness, a little floral lift, and a warming finish. It’s like a stroll through a Highland meadow with a flask in your pocket.
Dalwhinnie is renowned for its mellow, full-bodied Highland single malt whiskies. The distillery is particularly famous for its smooth honeyed flavour, subtle floral notes, and soft fruit character. Key flavour characteristics include:
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Soft honey and floral heather
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Toasted grain and buttery biscuit
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Bright citrus zing
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A gentle spice note on the finish
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Citrus (Lemon Zest) |
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Honey |
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Vanilla |
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Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
Popular Bottlings from Dalwhinnie
| Whisky | ABV / Age | Tasting Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old | 43% | Classic honeyed malt, citrus, and soft peat smoke |
| Winter’s Gold | NAS / Chill-filtered | Orchard fruit, vanilla fudge, cinnamon warmth |
| Distillers Edition | Oloroso Finish | Richer fruit, spice, and deeper oak with a syrupy mouthfeel |
| Dalwhinnie 18 Year Old | 43% | Dried pear, nutmeg, oak polish, a touch of soft smoke |
| Dalwhinnie 20 Year Old | Limited Edition | Smooth waxy texture, ginger warmth, deeper complexity |
Each bottle holds that signature smoothness Dalwhinnie is known for — a balance of Highland charm and polished simplicity.
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The Distillery
Dalwhinnie Distillery
General Wade's Military Rd, Dalwhinnie PH19 1AA, Scotland
 Open in maps |
 Dalwhinnie Distillery |
 01540 672219 |
Visitor Information
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Address: Dalwhinnie Distillery, Dalwhinnie, Inverness-shire, PH19 1AA, Scotland
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Telephone: 01540 672219
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Opening Times:
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March to October: 10:00 – 17:30
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November to February: 10:00 – 16:00
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Closed 25–27 December & 1–2 January
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Tour Options:
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Standard Tour: ~45 minutes, includes two drams paired with Highland chocolates
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Extended Tasting Tour: Up to six whiskies with curated chocolate pairings
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Tasting-Only Option: For those short on time or just after a dram or two
The visitor centre is lovely — cosy, welcoming, and easy to reach whether you’re road-tripping through the Highlands or arriving by train (the station’s only a few minutes away). Just don’t expect much phone signal.
Ownership & History
Current Owner:
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Diageo
Timeline Highlights:
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1897: Opened as Strathspey Distillery, quickly renamed Dalwhinnie
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1905: Briefly owned by a U.S. company, Cook & Bernheimer
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1934: Fire destroyed much of the distillery — rebuilt by 1938
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1968: Maltings closed, but production continued
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1991: Visitor centre opened, as interest in whisky tourism grew
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1990s–Today: Became part of Diageo’s “Classic Malts” collection
Dalwhinnie’s always been a bit of a steady hand in the whisky world. No big gimmicks or bold marketing moves — just a Highland distillery making really approachable, honest single malt whisky.
Distillery Facts
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Location: Found in Dalwhinnie, Highland region; the highest-elevation distillery in Scotland (~1,070 feet above sea level).
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Founded: Built in 1897–98 by John Grant, Alexander Mackenzie, and George Sellar; originally called Strathspey.
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Ownership: Currently owned by Diageo, one of the world’s largest drinks companies.
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Design: Features traditional architecture, including a classic pagoda-style roof.
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Water Source: Draws water from the Lochan-Doire-Uaine and the Allt an t-Sluie spring.
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Still Setup: Equipped with one large wash still and one spirit still; uses worm-tub condensers, contributing to a heavier spirit character.
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Fermentation: Uses wooden washbacks with long fermentation times to develop rich, fruity esters.
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Malt Type: Lightly peated malt is used, giving the whisky subtle smoky undertones.
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Maturation: Primarily uses ex-bourbon casks; special editions sometimes feature sherry cask finishing.
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Flagship Whisky: Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old – part of Diageo’s Classic Malts range, known for its smooth, honeyed, and floral profile.
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Production Capacity: Around 1.3 million litres of alcohol per year.
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Climate: Located in one of the coldest inhabited areas of Scotland, which slows maturation and impacts flavor development.
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Tourism: Offers distillery tours and whisky-and-chocolate tasting experiences.
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Blending Role: Contributes spirit to blends like Buchanan’s and Black & White.
