Dalmore 18 Year

Liquorice, raisin, cherry, Christmas cake. Sweet, not smoky.

Dalmore probably tests the limits of my price tolerance for scotch at each age level, with the 18 fetching a steep $150+ in the States. But it epitomizes for me the benefits of sherry aging in a scotch. The nose immediately announces its sherry influence, and the palate follows through, with craisins and grape preserve, but also a bit of white chocolate or frosting-like sweetness. The best part is that the flavors are crisp and clean, somehow less muddied or muddled than in some other sherried scotches. The finish has a pleasant dryness, a little licorice, and lingers without overlasting its welcome. At $100 or so, its price in the UK, this is well worth the price. At $150, I'd opt for the occasional taste in a bar or, better yet, an event where someone else picks up the tab.

$220 B&G

Speciale