There’s no Monday blues here with Drinks by the Dram’s Whisky Advent Calendar Day 9. Hidden away behind today’s door is Dalmore Cigar Malt! We get the scoop from Richard Paterson himself.
The Dalmore is as much a brand in its own right as a Highland single malt distillery. Its highly recognisable 12-point stag has become an iconic motif, and some of its expressions are highly prized. Old and rare bottlings even command record prices, both on the primary and secondary markets.
Today’s dram from our Whisky Advent Calendar carries that same pedigree – and was specifically blended to be enjoyed with a cigar. It’s a no-age-statement dram, but don’t let that put you off. It’s rich, flavourful, and has that signature Dalmore doughy texture. It’s Cigar Malt!
This dram was discontinued to much uproar in 2009 – but thankfully it’s back, in full bottle size, and in Advent calendar form. We understand this new blend is made with slightly older liquid and it’s a right treat.
And here to tell us more about it is The Nose himself – Dalmore’s Richard Paterson.
The Nose himself, Richard Paterson!
Master of Malt: The Dalmore is one of the most recognisable brands in single malt Scotch. What do you think sets you apart?
Richard Paterson: The Dalmore is enduringly recognisable, in part due to our unique bottle shape, and striking packaging, but not least because of the iconic silver ‘Stag’ marking a royal heritage for the distillery that dates to 1263. We are fortunate too that our founding fathers and chain of custodians through the years had a wonderful vision, and we have many aged expressions up to the rare Dalmore 64 Years Old and others that we have released over the years. This is coupled with our consistent ‘wood enhancement’ programmes in which we use only the finest exclusive Sherry, Port and wine casks to provide the highest quality possible, and of course the relentless passion of our dedicated quality team.
MoM: Cigar Malt was originally discontinued but you brought it back! What makes it such a good match with cigars?
RP: The rich full body of The Dalmore Cigar Malt, with its chocolate orange spice flavours, makes it the perfect accompaniment to the finest Cigars, in particular, “Partagas number 4 & Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2. Taken along with hot Colombian or Java coffee you will soon be in heaven!
Bottura and Paterson, who raised over £108k for charity this year!
MoM: What have been your 2019 highlights for The Dalmore?
RP: This year marks the beginning of celebrations marking the 180th anniversary of The Dalmore. I’ve hosted many special tastings around the world, in particular, highlighting the rare Dalmore 45 years old and many more different expressions. I cannot forget, our wonderful partnership with Massimo Bottura, raising over £108k for his charity Food For Soul.
MoM: What trends or developments do you think we’ll see in the world of whisky In 2020?
RP: With there being so many discerning consumers around the world today particularly in the Far East, the thirst for Scotch whisky especially, Single Malt whisky is set to continue for many years to come. However, we in the Scotch whisky industry must never be complacent, we must continue to innovate, evolve and excite our consumers with the finest quality whiskies and superb packaging.
MoM: What will you be drinking this Christmas?
RP: Many different wines but there will always be an aged Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn, Tamnavulin
Dalmore Cigar Malt
Dalmore Cigar Malt Tasting Notes:
Nose: Loads of shortbread, rich tea biscuit notes, caramel, and chocolate orange. It’s highly tempting for the sweet-toothed.
Palate: toffee and more caramel, with some delicious marmalade-on-burnt-toast in there, too. Lashings of sherry-cask notes.
Finish: Relatively straightforward, but sweet Christmas spices come through towards the finish.
Tony Foreman