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. However, this Port Wood expression from the Highland distillery is somewhat different in style. This single malt is matured in a mixture of American white oak ex-bourbon casks and then aged in Tawny Port pipes.
On the nose: there is inviting waft of maraschino cherries, raisins and cranberries, closely followed by plums, figs, Sanguinello oranges and toffee. These initial notes are followed by notes of lime zest, cinnamon, aniseed, walnuts and white pepper. Completing the nose are notes of vanilla, blackcurrants, treacle, gooseberries, brown sugar and a hint of marzipan. On the palate: those blood orange, cranberries and raisins notes are ever-present, alongside walnuts, cinnamon and liqourice. Notes of creamy caramel, tobacco and coffee start to emerge, followed by cinnamon and white pepper. Rounding-off the palate are notes of brown sugar, plums, poaches pears, cremé brûlée and a wisp of green herbs . The finish: is long, creamy and spicy, with lingering notes of sultanas, cherries, oranges and tobacco.
The verdict: It’s kind of weird that we’ve never posted tasting notes on this tasty dram before but then again we’ve never really sampled it ebfore. 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 Port Wood expression, has an ABV of 46.5%, which is quite for Th Dalmore. 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 Port Wood Reserve expression from Dalmore is available to buy online or in-store at any well-stocked whisky shop for approx. of £65. For more information on this Port Wood Reserver expression and others from the Dalmore range, visit the official Dalmore website.
