Dalmore Cigar Malt

The predecessor to today's Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve was this dram, the original cigar malt, discontinued in 2009 due to negative publicity surrounding the cigar industry (it had no connection to the whisky itself) and was initially 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 highlight of the core range. These whiskies were created with the intention of pairing with a Cuban cigar (they suggest "Hoyo de Monterrey" and/or "Partagas Series D4")(I don't smoke, so I have no insight into those). You might have seen this bottle at 40% ABV, but mine was actually 43% ABV, an older version of this expression. Deep copper color. On the nose, it's perfect, complex, and has your beloved Dalmore profile. It starts with an aroma of a cigar box. Then the classic Dalmore orange and sherry notes appear. It smells bitter on the nose, I can't quite describe it. Bread, yeast, candied fruits, jelly beans, red (apple) soda. After the first sip, it revealed coffee, caramelized oranges, bitter cocoa, and Tiramisu. After a few more minutes, it released brownies' burnt crust, vanilla, and fondant. Beautiful stuff. On the palate, it was straightforward, but delicious and very rewarding. As a bigger person, I appreciate when sweet notes appear first, and this one delivers them. Candied fruits, red fruits, pepper. Caramelized apple and some sulfur. Orange peel. It's so thick, it's almost chewable. Aftertaste is wonderful. Bitter cocoa, tobacco, and the most incredible dark chocolate note. It's very ashy, with some cigarette-like notes. Chocolate and tobacco. Overall, this is excellent. That said, today's expression is superior. It just feels older and more refined. I really loved this dram, and I'm happy to have a full bottle on hand (I managed to acquire two bottles at an auction). Highly recommended; you must try this one. My score is 97 out of 100. Cheers!

This is a lovely pour, leaving long, slow streaks on the glass. The aroma is thick like applesauce and root beer, with notes of honey, berries, and citrus. Perhaps a hint of tobacco too. The oily film on the glass translates to a sweet oiliness in the mouth, with subtle suggestions of smoke, coffee, and tobacco. Adding water brings vanilla and oak to the aroma, lightens the mouthfeel, and introduces a touch of anise. The empty glass is filled with the scent of butterscotch and blood orange. Combined with a beautiful dark amber color, this makes for a very fine whisky. My compliments to a friend!

****½ Avent 2019 - 18/24. This spirit aligns perfectly with my preferences. A formidable strength reminiscent of the skilled Edmonton Oilers teams from the 1980s, captivating with their performance and visual appeal. This Dalmore, despite its considerable cost, satisfies the persistent cravings of someone who endured a bleak and somber autumn.

Remarkable. I mistook this for a sweet bourbon. It's the sweetest Scotch I've ever had. Still, I enjoyed it. I appreciate the variety Scotland provides.

The aroma is primarily tobacco and citrus. The tobacco notes fade on the palate, replaced by spice. The spice intensifies and lingers in the finish with some oak.

A sweet-smelling spirit, reminiscent of tawny port. It has a lot of complexity and is an interesting experience, though not entirely to my preference. I'm open to trying it again to reconsider.