Dalmore Port Wood Reserve

Review by: The Muskox

I’m glad Dalmore finally decided to release a somewhat higher-proof whisky, but I’m left with lots of questions. Why Doesn’t Dalmore already have an NAS port-finished whisky? Who is this whisky being marketed too? Why does it cost $25 more than Dalmore 12? Why does it cost $25 more than the age-stated and tasty Quinta Ruban? Why does it cost $40 more than Arran’s excellent port-cask-finished expression? And $60 more than the way-better Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!

Calm down, Muskox. You’re safe at home, Dalmore can’t hurt you.

I’m not angry, just disappointed.

Distillery: Dalmore.

Bottler: Official bottling.

Region: Highlands.

ABV: 46.5%.

Age: No age statement.

Cask type: Initially matured in ex-bourbon casks, then finished in tawny port casks.

Price: $123 CAD.

Color: e150. Chill-filtered.

Nose: Heavy. No overt ruby port fruitiness in sight (in smell?); it’s much more in line with the standard sherry-forward Dalmores. Lots of chocolate orange right up front. Raisin, black cherry, Red Delicious apple, and banana. Rich toffee and caramel. Waxy, getting towards beeswax. A deep earthy note underneath.

Palate: Heavy texture, and sits heavy in the mouth. Fruit up front: pomegranate, plum, and banana. Burnt caramel and toffee as well. Develops into old wood and birch beer (it’s like root beer, but birch). A bit of pepper and ginger spice. More toffee on the back.

Finish: Long and quite heavy. Tobacco, warm wood spice, and earth. More wax, fruit skins, and black pepper. More burnt caramel, getting slightly bitter.

Conclusion: Pretty solid actually. Couldn’t find any port though. I know that it’s matured in the milder (as far as whisky maturation goes) tawny port casks, rather than the usual ruby port used for whisky maturation, but honestly if I hadn’t seen the word ‘port’ on the label I would have had no problem thinking it was just aged in sherry casks. I also didn’t love the bitterness on the back end. What it has going for it is the weighty texture and long finish. Other than that, it’s just not very exciting.

Final Score: 78.

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.

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