Dalmore 45 Year

Distinguished individuals, I've had the opportunity to try a 45-year-old whisky. This isn't just any single malt; it's an exceptionally rare and outstanding one. A pour that most people can only imagine experiencing someday, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have tasted it: a Dalmore 45 Year Port Colheita. This very old single malt, at 40% ABV, underwent initial maturation in an ex-bourbon cask, followed by a transfer to a Cabernet Sauvignon barrique, before returning to the bourbon cask. A fourth maturation occurred in a 20-year-old tawny port pipe, culminating in a finish in Port Colheita casks from 1961 and 1963. Quite a journey. The aroma is fantastic. Red fruits, intensely wine-like; hazelnut, maraschino cherry syrup; highly perfumed. Nutella. The hazelnut scent is remarkable. Very sweet on the nose, with cherries dominating. Syrupy cinnamon. Magnificent. It smells spectacular after the first taste. Watermelon, papaya. Chantilly cream. Tree tomato and Mango. It's akin to a hazelnut milk chocolate. The palate is very wine-like. Watermelon. Fresh orchard fruits. Papaya. Mango. It doesn't present as a Dalmore. Chocolate-covered cherries. After a few sips, chocolate with ground almonds emerged. It's like liquid cherries. Aftertaste exhibits ground almonds, full chocolate, dry, and ginger characteristics. Gooseberries, cherries, elegantly spicy. Toblerone. Hazelnut chocolate. A subtle sulfur and metallic note appears after the initial taste. A long finish of clove and grass. In summary, this is an exquisitely elegant single malt, flawless in every aspect, yet I wouldn't spend 17,000 euros on it. Let me clarify, I wouldn't spend 17,000 euros on any whisky for two reasons: 1. I lack the funds; 2. I don't believe in allocating THAT much money to a whisky, even though it's my lifelong passion. That said, this is a very fruity and spicy dram, unlike any other Dalmore I've encountered, and I wouldn't identify it as being from this distillery in a blind tasting. Nevertheless, it was absolutely perfect on the nose, palate, and aftertaste, earning a well-deserved 100 points in my estimation. Cheers!

I was fortunate enough to have just a small taste of this incredible scotch. It was a unique chance, presented by a renowned expert. This is truly exceptional, and if you have the opportunity for even a sip, don't pass it up.