Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve

Heading into the holiday weekend I got chatting with my local shopkeep and he started raving about this bottle. I will admit I have considered trying the Portwood, but never really looked at the CMR. Upon his glowing review I pulled the trigger on my first Dalmore. I am a little concerned I will like this since so many "experts" write this whole brand off, but then again who cares about them and their $10,000 bottles. Let's see if I got suckered or led to a gem. Nose is very figgy and raisin forward. This is almost like opening the lid of a Turkish fig jam. No peat or familiar scotch notes jumping out on this one. First sip is a mouthful here. There is an overload of flavors with notes of figs and dried cherries. A little heat joins the party mid sip, but the twist comes with the finish of coffee and dark cocoa. The finish could be a little longer, but isn't underwhelming. Dalmore has really done a masterful job with the finishing barrels here leading to a really nics dram. Overall it would appear I am a sheep so I will give a hearty "BAAAHHHH". Maybe this isn't the purist single malt expression, but it is a damn tasty one! Now for the tough part of giving this a rating. This really is enjoyable to sip, but that price is up there a bit. At $180 I won't be using this as an everynight go to, but it is a really nice bottle to have on the shelf for an occasional treat or to share with friends and family. If you can afford it this is definitely worth a pickup. After this bottle I am very likely to pick up that Portwood sooner than later.

Graduation (Specialists Degree) gift from my brother Justin!

Nose is cherries, raisin, papaya, and buttery nuttiness, reminiscent of a rich liquored-up fruitcake. Flavor is warm vanilla toastiness where the bourbon barrel really shines through, with just a touch of peat and caramel. Reminds me most of an almond croissant. Hits sweet but finishes with dry and tannic with plum flavors that really expand with time. Overall not as sweet as the nose would lead you to believe. I will add that the neck pour was horrifically sulfurous and undrinkable. A mouth full of rotten eggs. Let it sit for a few days after that initial neck pour to go back to it, and it was much better.

Nose: grape, maple syrup, brown sugar, black tea, vanilla Palate: vanilla, walnuts, a little ethanol, malt, some brown sugar Finish: some oak, malty sweetness, bitter lemon rind, vanilla Solid pour. The nose is killer. Whether it’s worth it’s high price is something everyone will decide for themselves.

Fig and raisin on the nose. Smokey cigar taste with a well-rounded taste and some spice on the endnotes.