Dunphail New Make Spirits - 63.5%
From the distillery website
Set in the stunning landscape of the Speyside whisky region, we chose the site for our distillery – located south of Forres – for its micro-climate that is ideal for maturation.
Through our established expertise developing world-class single malt whiskies, and our dedication to quality, Dunphail Distillery will take the traditions of the past and apply them to shape the whisky of tomorrow.
Dunphail Unpeated New Make - 63.5%
Tasting notes
Nose: Soft, sweet and malty, tropical fruit and heather honey
Palate: Creamy, with a touch of oiliness. Tropical fruit, mainly pineapple and mango, malted milk, cinnamon and mixed herbs. With water, notes of bananas in custard appear
Finish: Freshly malted barley, together with soft notes of agave, liquorice, cinnamon and a peppery prickle
Overall: The creamy, oily mouthfeel is the standout feature, with typical new make maltiness, tropical fruit and a gentle touch of herbal bitterness.
Dunphail Peated New Make - 63.5%
Tasting notes
Nose: Sweet malt, heather honey, fresh bread and a touch of tropical fruit. Gentle smoke only really appears when rubbed into the back of the hand
Palate: Oily, turning creamy with a few drops of water. Malt loaf, tropical fruit, heather honey and a soft cinnamon warmth. With water, banana cream pudding appears
Finish: Light smoke intertwined with gentle notes of malt, liquorice, agave, honey and a touch of tropical fruit
Overall: As is usually the case with new make, malt is the predominant note. The expected peat is whisper light, only really making an appearance in the finish
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Summary: Getting the opportunity to try new make is something I really enjoy as it gives you a real feel for the character of the spirit. With a new distillery such as Dunphail, it also provides an insight into the direction they’re headed.
Unsurprisingly, there are strong similarities between the two new makes, with the only noticeable difference being in the finish with the appearance of subtle peat smoke.
It would be fair to say that Dunphail’s parent company, Bimber, has had a turbulent recent history. What can’t be denied, however, is their ability to make really interesting whisky. On the evidence of these new makes, it seems Dunphail is heading in the right direction. In both cases, the quality is evident and I’ll certainly be looking forward to see how these evolve in the cask over time.
