Tasting Date: 2021-03-26
Region: Scotch Whisky – Highland
Type: Single malt
Age Statement: NAS
Size: 750ml
ABV: 44% ABV
Cask Type: American white oak ex-bourbon casks , Matusalem oloroso sherry casks and Cabernet Sauvignon barriques
Distiller: The Dalmore Distillery
Location: Dalmore, Alness IV17 0UT, United Kingdom, Scotland
Bottler: The Dalmore Distillery
Purchase Location: Crossroads Liquor Store #46 – 975 Broadmoor Blvd. Sherwood Park, Alberta
Purchase Date: 2021-03-25
Cost: $147.09 including GST & Deposit
Tasting Notes From The Dalmore Website:
THE AROMA: Cinnamon, vanilla and red fruits
ON THE PALATE: Tropical fruits, banana toffee and vanilla ice cream
FINISHING NOTES: Orange zest, dark chocolate and crushed spices
Colour: Raspberry Amber
TransparentSmoke Review: How to tell this story… So it all started with a YouTube video. I didn’t even know I wanted this whisky until I watched this video from the Whisky Tribe. I think they made some mistakes as they talked about it, as far as I can tell it has not been discontinued again. The bottle they are tasting is the new version with the word “Reserve” on the label and is still featured on the Dalmore website. To explain, the story goes, that in 2009 Dalmore stopped producing the original “Cigar Malt” (Which everyone thought was more amazing than even this new one) and then brought it back in 2011 with a modified recipe and the new “Reserve” added to the end of the name. This may or may not have been because of the anti-smoking lobby and then die hard fans? What I can tell you is that as of March 25th 2021 liquor stores in Alberta can not order this to refill their shelves. So is it cancelled? I have no idea. I bought the last one at Crossroads and a second at BSW.
What I do have an idea on is that this stuff is amazing. Like the kind of amazing that says grab a bottle and share with your friends. It is easy to drink and complicated and smooth and rich. I get this weird remembrance of “Port dipped Colts” with the nose of red wine and sweet whisky. My wife smells vanilla and freshly poured port.
I scored this higher than some would think it deserves if you get caught up in the arguments that are going on about the fact it may contain artificial caramel colouring. I personally don’t think it matters, with the way it tastes it could have been clear in the glass for all I care.
Our Score: 90/100
Bottles on Hand:
