Apparently, a few years ago, it was confusing to Dalmore enjoyers that there was a brand called 'Cigar Malt'. The term lacked identity and the questions were many: Is it made from cigars? Is it supposed to taste like a cigar? This confusion ultimately led to the bottling being pulled out of production. However, Cigar Malt also had a loyal following and although Master Distiller Richard Paterson assured everyone that Dalmore Gran Reserva was the same thing, just in new packaging, many taste buds remained unconvinced. Paterson, at his many tastings around the world, often had to listen to the question: 'Where is the Cigar Malt?'Dalmore had to bow to demand and has now revived the Cigar Malt Reserve and even increased the content with 10% more sherry cask aging in 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso casks. The new Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is aged 70% in Oloroso Matusalem Sherry casks and 30% in American white oak. Finally, the blend has been aged in French premier crû Cabernet Sauvignon vinfade from Bordeaux - just a little extra finesse. A great sherry hit! Bursting with flavor and composed to be enjoyed with a cigar. A light smokiness with notes of ginger, allspice and orange marmalade make "Cigar Malt" a voluptuous after-dinner treat. The price may not include a 'Cohiba', but it gives you the perfect excuse to light one up.
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve benefits from a judicious selection of 10 - 15 year old stocks drawn from casks of three types: American white oak ex-bourbon casks, 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry casks from Gonazlez Byass and premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques. Bottled at 44% alcohol by volume, the body, structure and character of this extraordinary expression is the perfect complement to a fine cigar. The name Dalmore is Old Gaelic and means "The Great Meadow". Founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, the distillery is located on the coast of the Cromarty Firth, overlooking the rich and fertile 'great meadow' of the Black Isle. The clean, clear water used for Dalmore Malt Whisky is taken from the nearby River Alness. The Dalmore It's a whisky that satisfies all your senses, with a long, generous finish that makes Dalmore one of the classic Highland malts. Each Dalmore malt whisky has its own unique personality. Chocolate and spice are just 2 of the special and unexpected aromas that appear in Dalmore. In a Dalmore whisky you will recognize up to 26 distinctly different and often surprising aromas. Dalmore Undergoes exciting transformations during the aging period of 12 - 21 years or even older. As the whisky matures, you can smell and taste orange, heather, spices and hints of smoke. The Dalmore Highland malts are aged in first-fill American oak, which gives the vanilla sweetness, and old sherry casks (Matusalem, Apostoles and Amaroso) from Bodegas Gonzalez Byass, Spain, which give a scent of citrus fruits, marmalade and spices. Tasting notes from
www.whiskyflasken.dk: The
nose: Dalmore is known to smell of orange and so does this one. Burnt almonds, roasted figs and dried fruits. Classic sherry. It's also quite malty and there are notes of strong coffee, dark chocolate, cinnamon and nutmeg. Just when it's at its sweetest, there's a hint of fresh strawberries and cherries. When left to stand, leather and old cigar boxes come through.
The taste: It's thick and creamy with lots of brown sugar and sherry at the start. It's also malty with syrup, honey and cinnamon. It's a bit like sinking your teeth into a brownie. Then comes the orange, a hint of licorice and cloves. At the end of the palette, it starts to tingle on the tongue, but it never quite dries out the palate.
Aftertaste: Medium-long aftertaste with lots of chocolate and cinnamon. The fresh berries return a little and there is a slight hint of tobacco.
Rating: 86/100
