Launched in late 2008 to replace the previous 12 year old, this single malt from the Dalmore distillery is a toasty, coffee-rich dram with beautifully spice notes and a thick mouthfeel. Very rich for a 12 year old.
A warm coffee house in Seattle; roasting beans, the oily nuttiness in a fine espresso, there are little notes of malt and cereal and butter from the pastry counter with rich orange from the fruit bowl on the counter.
Notes of Seville marmalade and triple sec with winter spices and fruitcake. Zesty cocoa and milk chocolate.
Medium, oranges.
Nose: Like being in a warm and comforting kitchen with an open hearth. Malt and grains figure prominently at the first. Yeasty, fresh baked bread and cinnamon buns, becoming floral and sweeter as it sits and eventually exposing pineapple upside down-cake and bitter citrus. Palate: Not as sweet as the nose promised, but it enters clean, fresh and not syrupy. Bright chalk and minerals, evolving into a subtle darkness. Sweet pipe tobacco and cigars, rum-raisin cake, croissants, new leather and Spanish cedar. Smooth and silky. Finish: Like the palate, quick and very clean. From someone who prefers a lingering finish I really like how this one does it. I went looking for the Dalmore 15 but I decided to give the 12 a try when it was out of stock. I was not disappointed, this is a very nice whisky. I didn't get as much orange as some have described and the finish ended too quickly but I'm very satisfied at the price point. Summary: I am enjoying this dram immensely and am now much more looking forward to the 15, which should concentrate and draw out the finish nicely.
Sour apple, pear, and citrus aromas, along with butter and sea breeze. Peppery flavor, floral, leather, with a nice punch of nuttiness during the finish. Caramel syrupy mouthfeel. Be very judicious with water, but a drop or two brings out lots of nut flavor and smooths out the finish.
Tonight I made a manhattan from the last of a Dalmore 12 year old scotch that was given to my husband prior to 2008 (he passed away in September 2008). He loved manhattans, and I decided to remember him tonight by having one in his memory. I enjoyed it immensely.
That soaked wood taste stands out for me. Not a top pick but a nice change.
If whiskey could go off this is what it would taste like. Whilst there are some floral and nutty aromas in the background, the smell of mildew is overpowering and the after-taste instantly reminded me of a time when I was about 12 and had a swig of my dads near empty can of VB, only to discover he'd been using it as an ashtray! Tastes nothing like a $70 bottle of Highland Malt should taste. Don't waste your money on this one
