Nose: Orange oil, orange juice, soft wood aromas (sandalwood, camphorwood), honey, almonds, fruit cake. It’s charming and a typical Dalmore nose. Palate: Sweet arrival like dilute honey with citrus essence. There is not much progression in the development – some malty cereal and a touch of coffee. The texture is pleasant but there is a lack of weight to this spirit. The palate does not live up to the promise of the nose. Finish: Medium/Short. Mild fruity flavours (orange, apricot) that trail into diluted mocha coffee, Demerara sugar and a leafy, slightly metallic bitterness in the aftertaste. This is a pleasant whisky on the whole but the palate is seriously lacking in presence. Alcohol content is not a critical aspect of whisky for me. I don’t criticise drams that are issued at 40% without good reason, but this expression is in an awkward place. Its base-grade alcohol content makes it very approachable and it would be a good one to share with someone who is just starting out on their whisky journey. However that same low abv makes it insipid and lacking in heft. This is one whisky that really should have been issued at 46% or more so that it could speak clearly. Although I did enjoy the dram I can’t justify describing it as anything other than average. There are way better Dalmores to be savoured. Try the Cigar Malt or the always enjoyable 18 year old and you'll see what I mean. Tasted from a 30ml sample. “Average” : 78/100 (2.75 stars)