Dalmore Cigar Malt

The predecessor of today's Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve was this dram, the original cigar malt, discontinued in 2009 because of some bad publicity surrounding the cigar world (it had nothing to do with the actual whisky) and was originally replaced by the Dalmore Gran Reserva; which was also discontinued two years later. So, i was eager to try this one since i believe the Cigar Malt reserve is a superior whisky, better than King Alexander III in my opinion. It is the jewel of the crown in the core range. This whiskies have been made with the intention of pairing with a cuban cigar (they recomend "Hoyo de Monterrey" and/or "Partagas Series D4")(i don't smoke so i have no idea about those). You might have seen this bottle at 40%abv, but mine was actually 43% an even older version of this expression. Deep copper color. On the nose, perfection, complexity and your beloved Dalmore profile. Starts with an aroma of a cigar box. Then the classic Dalmore orange and sherry notes appear. It smells bitter on the nose, i don't know how to explain it. Bread, yeast, candied fruits, jelly beans, red (apple) soda. After the first sip, it revealed coffee, caramelized oranges, bitter cocoa and Tiramisú. After a couple more minutes it released brownies burnt crest, vanilla and fondant. Beautiful stuff. On the palate, it was straightforward, but delicious and very rewarding. As a fat guy, i love when sugar sweet notes appear first, and this one has them. Candied fruits, red fruits, pepper. Caramelized apple and some sulphur. Orange peel. It is so thick, it is chewable. Aftertaste is wonderful. Bitter cocoa, tobacco and the most incredible dark chocolate note. It is very ashy, it has some cigarrette notes. Chocolate and tobacco. Overall, this is the good stuff. Having said that, today's expression is better. It just feels older and more round. I really loved this dram, and i am happy to have a full bottle on the shelf (i managed to score two bottles in an auction). Fully recommended, you have to try this one. My score is 97 over 100. Slàinte!

This is a beautiful pour, coating the glass with long slow legs. Thick applesauce and rootbeer on the nose, with honey, berries and citrus. And maybe a bit of tobacco. The oiliness on the glass becomes sweet oiliness in the mouth with a mild suggestion of smoke, coffee and tobacco. Water adds vanilla and oak to the nose, lightens the palate and sneaks in some anise. The dry glass is redolent with butterscoth and blood orange. Put all this with a gorgeous dark amber color, and you have a mighty nice whisky. Thanks Pranay!

★★★★½ Avent 2019 - 18/24. Ce whisky est tout simplement dans ma palette. Une belle puissance digne des Oilers d'Edmonton des années '80 qui nous éblouissent tant ils sont bons et beaux à voir jouer. Ce Dalmore, malgré son prix élevé, sait répondre aux besoins insistants d'un homme qui a passé un automne sombre et sinistre.

wow. I mistakenly identified this as a sweet bourbon. the sweetest Scotch I've experienced. Enjoyed it though. I like the diversity Scotland is able to bring to the scene.

The nose is predominantly tobacco and citrus. The tobacco fades in the palette and is replaced by spice. The spice intensifies and lingers in the finish with some oak.

Sweet smelling scotch, almost like a tawny port. Lots of complexity and an interesting experience, but not quite my style. I'd be willing to sip it again to reassess.