Tastes

Wow I thought the Dalmore Cigar wasn't to bad and a 4 star. This shoots straight to 5 on the first sip. I have paid a lot more for a lot less. It reminds me of a great Glendronach in a lot of ways although sweeter and with different components to the usual straight olorosso or px flavour. Bam raisins and dark fruit nose and palate. There is a hell of a lot more going on a mere mortal like me can't comprehend, sauternes influence is all over it, rich cognac like flavours. Personally I thought Bruchladdich was over rated. Most of their stuff is weak flavored. Even their Octomore range I find over priced and thin (but still 4 star rating before everyone starts sharpening their pitchforks :-) ), missing the richness of other Islays. This however has viscosity and richness to burn. Alcohol at 49.2% is perfectly balanced. It would almost be an instant 5 but I'm finding it a bit to sweet and syrupy the longer I get into it so more around the 4.5 mark, maybe slightly lower. Still very very nice and not a 4 so must be a 5. One of those weird situations where I rate something a must buy but I wouldn't due to the syrupy sweetness.

A bar midge (or an insect of some minute description) decided he had had enough of life and promptly committed Hari Kari in my dram. Wasn't sure if that was a good omen or not, like a bird pooping on your head (I once had a bird take a flying dump in my face, I bought a lotto ticket and didn't win so myth busted!). Anyhow after fishing it out the sampling commenced. Nose was faint caramel, sherry, toffee. Now I haven't had to strain quite as hard since last week when after one stodgy meal too many...anyhow I did get flavour and eventually it opened up (as far as a Dalmore ever will) and.. it was nice! Not $120USD nice I'll buy a bottle type thing but I like it. The nose translates to the palate, lovely viscosity, alcohol well balanced and if I hadn't given up smoking New Years Eve in Peru a decade ago (karma came back to bite me) I'd be reaching for a cigar. First Macallan now Dalmore aghh all my preconceptions are being shattered. Solid 4

Dramfest '18. Average.

Dramfest '18. Average. 2.5

Dramfest '18. Very little flavour.

Dramfest '18. Nice, vanilla

Only 69 bottles of this released I believe. I think that's the record low number of bottles released of anything I've drank. That's a lot of angels share! Sultanas on the nose. Viscous sherry...water really opens up. Sulphur taint brings it down a bit though

Nose bit artificial like shampoo. Translates to palate which is like red wine cordial. Not bad but a bit odd and artificial. 3.5

There are times when I drink whiskey after whiskey that others often rate highly and think...meh, to bitter, to this to that...maybe its me...maybe my taste buds just aren't working and then there are days where my confidence is restored I'm like yeah my taste buds are just fine thank you and this is one of those days. 3 out of 3. Jose Familia, Tomatin 21 and now Springbank 2003 13. Bam, Bam, Bam...... this is easily a 4.25 maybe 4.5. It could have been higher but Tomatin 21 before it really made an impact so sadly it's just not quite at that level but still if I was Winnie the Pooh I'd be one happy bear. Honey galore, vanilla and more. Hint of bitterness and I think I sadly watered it down to much. Still great drop. I see several months after release its sold out as only 540 bottles were produced and already going for double the money in auction houses.

Dramfest '18. Aberlour. 186 bottles. 3.5