Still trying to forge ahead through my Dalwhinnie. I tried it again last night, this time without the splash, and it was better. Still wouldn't drink it if I hadn't paid for it, but it was better.
Adding a splash of water is almost reflex for me, but with the Dalwhinnie, it actually makes it taste bad. Not diluted... bad. It's as if it chemically alters the whisky.
Anyway, I also bought some Glencairn glasses. Very nice. Amazing what a proper glass can do Previously I was using various rocks glasses that I've been gifted over the years.