Review: Game of Thrones House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost
The third expression under review from the Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection is Game of Thrones House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost, an NAS (No Age Statement) single malt Scotch whisky from the Dalwhinnie distillery, located in the Highland region of Scotland.
Game of Thrones House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost Specifications:
- Spirit: Scotch.
- Classification: Single Malt.
- Region: Highland.
- Age: NAS (No Age Statement).
- ABV: 43% (86 Proof).
- Cask Type: Matured in rejuvenated ex-bourbon casks.
- NCF (Non-Chill Filtered)? No.
- Natural Color? No.
- Price Paid: $39.99 for 750 mL.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Amber.
- Nose: Light and sweet. Fruity (apples, plums). Floral. Baking spices. Slightly malty.
- Palate: Slightly thin mouthfeel. Sweet and fruity. Concentrated apple juice, pineapple. Vanilla. Floral (lavender, heather) and herbal (menthol) notes. Honey. Artificial candy from my childhood – think candy cigarettes and chalky pink bubble gum. Baking spices.
- Finish: Short to medium length. Sweet and malty. More fruit, floral, herbal, and honeyed notes. Milk chocolate, cinnamon, bitter oak.
Game of Thrones House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost leans toward the light and sweet side of the flavor spectrum, much like Game of Thrones House Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve. The Dalwhinnie’s complexity gives it a slight edge over the Cardhu, but it prominently features the same concentrated apple juice note across the palate and finish, one that I could do without. When it comes to fruit notes, I prefer the fresh orchard fruits exhibited in whiskies such as Glenlivet and Glenfiddich over the sweet, concentrated fruit juice notes that I detect here and in blends by Crown Royal and Hibiki.
Rating: C (73–76%).
A Second Opinion:
My cousin Jayson and I frequently participate in bottle splits and share samples of new releases. When possible, I’ll share his tasting notes alongside mine.
Jayson’s Notes:
- Color: Amber.
- Nose: Sweet, fruity, apple stands out the most. Cinnamon oatmeal. Cheap candy with that soft core that grandma used to have – pineapple flavor.
- Palate: Sweet and fruity. Somewhat watery. More apple, vanilla, honey. Bubblegum. Reminds me of a grain based blend.
- Finish: Sweet. Grainy. Honey. Slightly floral. Short to medium finish.
Dalwhinnie for me is whisky’s version of Hibiki with apple juice. A little too sweet for me. Simple and easy sipping but lacks character. Overall this is a fine summer fruity whisky that is light and sweet especially if you like apples and artificial candy.
Jayson’s Rating: C (73–76%).