Review by: The Muskox
I think I’m coming down with a cold! Last time this happened, my senses completely died. My beloved Redbreast 12 CS tasted like sugary acetone. I’ve used what may be my last few hours of a working palate to try some… uh… Dalmore. A much-maligned distillery for low-strength bottlings, an e150 addiction, and being priced to the moon, the… well… screw it, no judgment! No expectations!
Distillery: Dalmore.
Bottler: Official bottling.
Region: Highlands.
ABV: 44%.
Age: No age statement.
Cask type: Matured initally in ex-bourbon barrels and 30-year-old Oloroso sherry casks, before being finished in Cabernet sauvignon barriques.
Price: $194 CAD.
Color: Artificial. Chill-filtered.
Nose: Rich and dark. Lots of fig, with black cherry, blood orange, and honey. Vanilla and banana bread, with a touch of licorice. Just a hint of a tobacco note in there. Cigar Malt, indeed!
Palate: Medium body. Fairly dry, with a long development. Oloroso and wine up front, along with more banana bread, orange, nuts, and fig. Slightly acidic in the middle, in a god way. Develops to oak, dark chocolate, clove, and a waxy note. Dark caramel and tobacco leaf round things off.
Finish: Decent length. Fig, walnut, caramel, and a little Earl Grey tea.
Conclusion: Pretty good, all things considered. That dark, waxy, nutty Dalmore-ness is definitely present. I like the fig tobacco notes, but wish there was more wine influence. I don’t smoke cigars, so I can’t comment on that application for this whisky. For sipping though, you could do a whole lot worse.
Final Score: 79.
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.
Malt Runners 