Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve

The next of the Dalmore sample pack I picked up. I’ve heard some good things about this (sometimes to the point it’s almost aggressive) and having loved an SMWS Dalmore I am keen to at least try it, but for what it costs that never would have happened if not for this sample. So here we go.

Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve, Highland Single Malt, 44% ABV

Minutia: Matured first in ex-bourbon American oak casks, with some being finished in either Gonzalez Byass Sherry casks which previously matured 30-year old Oloroso Sherry or cabernet sauvignon barriques, and then all three styles are brought together. Enjoyed neat in a glencairn.

Color: Auburn, polished mahogany; 1.5.

Nose: Very fruity on the pour, musty, vegetal, leather.

Taste: Sweet orange, woody, wine elements.

Finish: Spice, fades into the same elements as the taste, more elements on the orange and wood, though less wood than orange. Medium.

I quite like this. It’s not the most amazing dram in the world, but it is quite good, and I’d keep a bottle on my shelf for when in an unpeated mood or for guests if not for the rather substantial pricetag.

Score: 80

Musical Evocation: Pink Floyd – “Have a Cigar”