Review: Drambuie 15 Liqueur
Review: Drambuie 15 Liqueur
The original whiskey liqueur is as unmistakable as it is classic: Drambuie may not be a spirit for all tastes, but, like Galliano or Campari, it’s a staple you can’t help but admire, if for no other reason than sheer longevity.
Now Drambuie is launching a line extension — not its first, but the first I’ve ever seen — Drambuie 15, created with higher-end Scotch, namely 15-year-old Speyside malts, along with the usual honey and herbs to sweeten up the liqueur.
Darker than standard Drambuie, Drambuie 15 is immediately obvious as something different: The nose of regular Drambuie is cloyingly sweet. Drambuie 15 is much closer to a quality Scotch whisky. Just a hint of sweetness in there, really night and day compared to its big brother.
On the palate: Beautiful. Malty and rich, the Scotch base shines with nougat, citrus, and light honey notes. Sweet, for sure: It’s light and sugary on the finish, but the overall effect is one of a sweetened Scotch, rather, as is the case with original Drambuie, Scotch-flavored sugar.
What Drambuie has created here is actually a perfect Rusty Nail cocktail, prebottled and ready to go. At 86 proof it is dangerous and misleading — on the palate, the touch of sweetness masks the alcohol completely — so tread lightly.
The bottom line: I’d turn to Drambuie 15 in a heartbeat when your sweet tooth calls for it. Easily it’s one of my favorite whiskey liqueurs on the market now. Watch for it on store shelves soon.
86 proof.
A / $56 (one liter) / drambuie.com [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
Drambuie 15 Liqueur
$56
I would like to import a few cases to South Africa for own use. I have developed a taste for Drambuie 15 Year old and can not find any more. If you could help me it will be appreciated.
Hello Danie
Today is August 18 2022. I just saw your comment on developing a taste for 15 year Drambuie.
I have that same developed taste as well. It’s available in America but getting harder find also.
It has been going for 55 USD plus 10% tax. (750 ml) That was before the big inflation hit, I looked
at three large liquor outlets and found two 750 Ml bottles. 64 USD each, before our healthy tax. I
bought them both. Regular expression Drambuie is fine, but a bit too sweet. I find the 15 year is
less sweet and has a fine, notable mild wood taste. It is certainly my favorite liqueur.
David