Why doesn’t Richard Paterson release whisky like this? I’m finally able to sample something from Dalmore distillery that isn’t chill filtered and doesn’t have any added color. Independent bottler Alexander Murray released this 15yo single malt at a seriously potent 55.6% ABV. I don’t believe much Dalmore gets out to a lot of IBs, so this sample from my buddy @dubz480, from Arizona, is a rare treat for me. I also believe he got this bottle for around $60, which is shocking. It’s primarily from refilled, ex-bourbon casks and refilled sherry butts. This is a new penny, copper in color and it’s very oily. Very thin legs and lots of tiny beads indicate the higher alcohol percentage. The nose begins with faint sherry cask notes,bubblegum and raspberry smoothie. There’s a nice backbone of brown sugar and apple pie crust- maybe graham crackers. The palate is fruity and spicy all at the same time. Orange marmalade, Sunkist raisins (yes, with that slightly processed flavor) and caramel. The heat and power of the ABV send pepper spice barrel wood rushing in if you let it settle across the tongue. By mid sip it’s blazing in every corner of your mouth. It needs water, but I’m too old and stubborn to give in. The finish is long and very drying. Once the burn subsides, or you flush it away with water, you’re still greeted with orange and toffee notes. This whisky left me pondering whether I think Dalmore should start beefing up their distillery releases like this, or should I just accept and dial down my expectations for the core stuff. I have a soft spot for Dalmore that I can’t always explain and this release really shows what’s coming out of the casks BEFORE Mr Paterson gets to tinkering with them. I like this presentation, albeit it’s definitely too hot at this potency, but I’d be thrilled to spend the day just introducing water to it slowly to find that perfect spot. IMO every Dalmore official release needs more power behind it, but there’s got to be a better spot than what most of the distillery releases offer at 40-44%. However, this one was a really treat for me. Thanks again, Wail. 4.25 stars as it comes in the bottle, but I think a little experimentation could see that score surely rise. Cheers.