Dalmore are no strangers to creating heavily sherried whisky, packed full of flavour but for some unknown reason, we’ve never really posted tasting notes on their Port Wood Reserve expression. Founded in 1839, The Dalmore (which translates to ‘the Big Meadow’) is notorious for being robust but yet musky and full of some of the most beautiful notes. Traditionally, The Dalmore make use of of a mixture of ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks, as Dalmore’s new make is perfect for sherry wood maturation. This leads to a rich and sherried nose, with sweet malt, fruit cake and oranges – of course makes for a very enjoyable dram. This Travel Retail exclusive has been matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and aged Matusalem oloroso sherry casks that have been sourced from the Gonzalez Byass bodega, which lends spectacular flavour to this dram.
On the nose: there is inviting waft of maraschino cherries, raisins and orange peel, closely followed by plums, brown sugar, vanilla and toffee. These initial notes are followed by notes of dried coconut, cassia bark, aniseed, star anise and nutmeg. Completing the nose are notes of crisp red apples, blackcurrants, candy sticks and a hint of green herbs. On the palate: notes of Sanguinello oranges, raisins and vanilla are ever-present, followed by notes of toffee, liqourice and brown sugar. Spicy notes of cassia bark and stem ginger start to emerge, followed by a hint of mint. Rounding-off the palate are notes of banana, lemon zest, old leather, a hint of espresso and green herbs. The finish: is medium, bittersweet, with lingering notes of spices, marmalade and a meaty note.
The verdict: It’s kind of weird that we’ve never posted tasting notes on any travel retail Dalmore before. It ticks all the right boxes; it has plenty of depth in flavour, it’s nicely balanced and it’s one of those drops of liquid gold you’d happily share. This Dominium expression, has an ABV of 43% and not 40% as noted by The Dalmore themselves. This is perhaps a dram that doesn’t require any water but if you feel the need to add water, then only add a few drops.
This Dominium expression from Dalmore is exclusive to Travel Retail for approx. of £125. For more information on this Dominium expression and others from the Dalmore range, visit thedalmore.com
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