Dalmore Gran Reserva

Happy New Year 2021 to everyone! I was keeping this bottle for a special date and i chose new year's eve for it, to end a difficult 2020 with a nice dram. Dalmore Gran Reserva was born when the original and acclaimed Dalmore Cigar Malt was discontinued due to the whole "smoking is bad" campaing back in 2009, and was replaced by this expression which was available only for 2 years, till it was again replaced by the Cigar Malt Reserve. A beautiful looking bottle, with all Dalmore symbols including the stag, but in brownish colors. Matured in bourbon barrels and sherry casks. Bottled at 40%abv, deep copper color. On the nose it is really wonderful. The most beautiful caramelized oranges, a fancy vanilla - tobacco mixture, dates and figs rising. Amazing butterscotch hard chewable candy, very buttery. There is chocolate fudge. Truly beautiful. After the first sip is becomes more fruity but exotic, acid prunes, fudge; Brownies. Super fancy. Even the empty glass is a work of art. Perfect score. Palate is lovely, but it doesn't quite fill the promise of the nose. Tobacco biterness and oranges, a little rough on the edges. A second sip revealed vanilla and a bittersweet combination of oranges and tobacco. Very pleasant. Chocolate. Aftertaste is very rewarding. It really surprised me on how acid and bitter it is. Prunes, acid palate, old humid wood, dry. Lovely feeling although straightforward. A cinnamon dry feeling. Overall i believe this is one great whisky, and i understand all the acid and bitter flavors since this one is designed to be enjoyed with a cigar. I don't smoke, but i understand this profile perfectly. My score for it is a solid 93 over 100, it is one nice whisky.

Rare Scotch Flight - Brandy Library