Review by: TOModera

So at this point I’m on dram number 2 of my birthday dinner drams, and realizing that I’m 30 years old and inebriated in front of my parents. Let’s continue tasting regions, shall we?

I’m not as informed on Highland malts as I’d like to be, and I have never had a chance to try Dalmore yet, so I thought I’d try with one of the younger versions on the menu.

The Dalmore 10 year Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing was distilled from 1989 to 1999 as a special IB. It’s younger than others in the lineup. I’ve always wondered about Dalmore, since they main part of the marketing seems to direct me to have it with a cigar, which isn’t really my bag. We’ll see how it stands on its own, at cask strength high standardized proof and younger than normal.

As usual, there’s no chill filtering and no colouration with Douglas Laing bottling. There’s 472 bottles total, so if you’re interested in this one, you’ll have to be on the look out for it.

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Distillery: Dalmore

Bottler: Douglas Laing

Region: Highland

ABV: 50%

Age: 10 years. Distilled in 1989. Bottled in 1999.

Cask type: Sherry Cask

Price: N/A

Color: Fool’s Gold

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Nose: Maple candy, lemon, burning, cigar smoke, floral

There’s the smell of burnt sugar in this one, like a burnt cookie or spilled caramel on an oven element. It’s somewhat light and floral. Or like walking up to a sugar shack. I could see the nose pairing nicely with a cigar. What kind of cigar? I have no idea, I’m mostly guessing at this point. Something Cuban? Sure, that sounds smart, let’s go with that.

Taste: Chili, orange, smoke, cream, gold corn syrup, butter

The corn syrup is really throwing this off. It has the milk elements mixed with a traditional Scotch flavour and then smacks you with way too much sweetness. It’s reminding me of some of the Canadian whisky I’ve had before.

Finish: Citrus, chocolate, light blueberries, pineapple, oak at the end

Medium length, though again the sweetness is overpowering here. Some smoke would be nice, or even some of the burnt sugar to contrast the overwhelming sweetness.

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Conclusion: I’m kinda bummed about this one. I mean, I’ve been hearing great stuff all the time about cask strength and independent bottling and even about Dalmore, but this falls short. It’s almost like drinking pop at some points, though the finish is almost there. I really do wonder why they pulled it after 10 years, or perhaps I’m missing out on some elements as I didn’t get because I didn’t have a cigar at the same time. Damn my inability to enjoy tobacco!

Final Score: 74.

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.