Scott_E
Dalmore 18 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
December 21, 2018 (edited January 7, 2019)
The Christmas weekend begins and I will start it with this 18 year provided by @LeeEvolved some time ago. My recent sampling’s of Dalmore, for the most part, have been underwhelming; especially with the overwhelming price. I do look forward to this, however. This is not a scotch that one has the good fortune of tasting.
The color is rich amber.
Nosing in the stemmed Dalmore copita glass that was given out to all at a tasting I previously mentioned. After a good amount of time, rich fruits and nuts make to core of the nose. Tangerine and caramel initially arrive paving the way for more aromas. Balanced sherry notes of plumbs, raisins, pecans all with cinnamon spice sprinkled throughout. Creamy chocolate and orchard fruits emerge in due time. Traces of oak are faint and add a nice wrapper for these aromas. A busy nose that could be inhaled all day.
The body is lightweight which throws you off because the nose is so rich. An oaky, spicy arrival on the palate. Cinnamon, almonds, raisins, oranges with a touch of sweetness: Vanilla, caramel and sugar glazing. The sweetness becomes stronger over time. The palate does not last or hold for any good length. It takes several sips and swooshes to extract the flavors because of the semi short palate lifespan.
The finish is woody and drying with some sherry and vanilla which last for a fair length. A slight orange bitterness at the far end of the finish and a touch of cognac.
As with a Dalmore, the nose is rich, vivid and everlasting. The palate fails to deliver the promise of the nose but what does come through is quite well and nicely balanced. Soft and somewhat delicate. If palate could only reach deeper and be more viscous, this could be mind blowing. Time and patience are rewarded with this scotch. This one took me a good hour plus to work the nose and palate. Now, would I pay the near $200 for this? Most certainly no. This, though, is the favorite of all the Dalmore’s I have tasted and am fortunate to had the time to enjoy. Thanks again @LeeEvolved. [Tasted: 12/21/18][87/100]
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
Dalmore is good, but deceptive- I’d imagine they use a bit more coloring than the next guy- if you compare the richness of say compass box and Dalmore - compass box has the same amount of richness for HALF the price but dalmore looks more complex because of the coloring, ...and marketing in their fancy pants hunting lodge bottle. Anyway, they got my money so ...👏🏼🥴👍🏼
Good review, agree with your impression. The 18 is the most impressive OB Dalmore I've tasted but I wouldn't buy a bottle. The best Dalmores I've tasted (and then bought) are both uncoloured, unchillfiltered, independent bottlings at high abv matured in ex-bourbon. Dalmore is a different beast when you get all that sherry out of the way.
@1901 I do want to like Dalmore. They nose so well. But generally, I am disappointed by the palate. Not that it’s bad, just that I want more. For what you pay for Dalmore, I think this is expected. The 12 year for the local of $59 is the only Dalmore I will be purchasing (I did enjoy the 12).
Great review! I was underwhelmed too by Dalmore when I tasted at WhiskeyLive. I thought this 18yo was the best of them, including the King Alexander, and would probably land on the same rating as your good self.