Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve versus Glenmorangie Lasanta

[Quaich1]

Here are my taste notes today for a head-to-head between The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve and Glenmorangie Lasanta.

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve 44%abv

Neat-

Nose: Dark fruit, Australian black licorice, "sticky lice", ink blotter, cherry chocolate and pungent soil.

Palate: Fruity, spice, hint of pepper and prune nectar.

Finish: Long, waves of prune nectar, intense tobacco leaves, rum-dipped cigarillos, black olive juice and black licorice aniseed balls (jaw breakers).

Glenmorangie Lasanta 46%abv

Neat-

Nose: Cherry Blossom Canadian Chocolate Candy (maraschino cherry and cherry syrup surrounded by a mixture of chocolate, coconut and roasted peanut pieces), parfume, sweet sherry notes and carmels.

Palate: Spices, deep sherry tones, hint of mint, oaky flashes and definite sulphur.

Finish: Lingering, oaky notes and black cherry syrup. A backdrop of strong wisps of sulphur ebbs and flows repeatedly. Late arrival of delightful figs.

Comments: This Dalmore expression at 44% abv is deep, bold and packs an aromatic punch. I took this one a la carte without cigar. Great dram. The Lasanta could be a desireable expression if not for the omnipresent sulphur taint which clearly disappoints on the palate and finish. A real shame.
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)