The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve 44% abv.

[Quaich1]

Here are my taste notes from today for The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve, 44% abv. Matured for most of its llife in Oloroso Matusalum Sherry Butts.

Color-Orange amber & Full-bodied

Neat-

Nose: Dark fruit, dates, hint of dried figs, strong waves of delectable sherry, aromatic pipe tobacco, sultana raisins, black cherries morphing into cherries jubilee and honey.

Palate: Spicy dark fruit in heavy syrup, a burst of black cherry and prune nectar, mango, chewy and elegant.

Finish: Long, spicy, pungent tobacco, dark berries and cinnamon.

***This is a full-bodied massive dram with a deep nose and palate which garners one's full attention and appreciation. Satisfies like a five course meal.
I clearly don't agree with Jim Murray's characterization and rating for this one and that's the joy of individual palates.
_________________
"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[Alexppp]

Having only tried the 12 and 15 year-old expressions, I haven't particularly got into Dalmore yet. I see the Cigar Reserve is finished in Cabernet Sauvignon barriques?! That's quite unusual. Serge Valentin, who normally loathes wine finishes, gives a pretty positive review of this and rates it at 82. How many points does it get from Jim Murray?

[Quaich1]

[Big Mac]

I have never got into the Dalmore much myself, having said that i did like the original Dalmore Cigar Malt but i have never tasted this new Cigar Malt, cheers for the note Murray and i enjoyed your write up on your Morrison Bowmore evening, i only just read it as i wasnt online over the weekend and i am just catching up on forum posts tonight.

[opelfruit]

Hmmmm, I've not read Murray's review of this but I have to say that my experience of this whisky was far different than the posts on here. Maybe I got a duff batch....

I struggled to enjoy the last 3rd of the bottle, it was pleasant enough don't get me wrong but I feel it is over priced and lacks balance. The finish wasn't too good.

Lovely nose though but all over a bit too quickly, and I know the feeling all to well (so my wife tells me.......)


To be honest, it's my experience of most Dalmores, over priced, over rated and under-deliver.....


here's to individual palates
_________________
"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[Brummie]

I have to agree with opelfruit, i have never got in to Dalmore either, i have tasted some of their older more expensive stuff in the past at whisky events/tastings and it was superb as it should be given the price but their entry level stuff such as their 12 and 15 year old doesnt do it for me.

Quaich1, i havent tried the new version of the Dalmore Cigar Malt which they seemed to reinvent with a much higher price tag than the original version, i would hope it is good given its price tag and i have to say Jim Murrays review of it would never have inspired me to put out the cash for a bottle but it is interesting that you rate it so highly, i shall certainly make a point in looking out for it at the next whisky event i attend given your review.

[Quaich1]

I just found an interesting review of this expression from Wine Enthusiast Magazine which reviews scotch whiskies as well. Here's an excerpt from their review:


96
POINTS
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve

Honey-amber color and a big butterscotch aroma. Intriguingly dry and earthy, with leather, tobacco, dark chocolate and clove flavors, which accelerate with repeated sips and linger on. Add ice if you must, but avoid watering down this delicious after-dinner treat, which would be even better accompanied by a well-selected dark chocolate or two. " K.N.

_________________
"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)