Most Scottish distilleries tend to have a relatively famous master distiller or blender who has built up a name for him or herself over many years of hard work and dedication. But the Dalmore distillery tends to stand out in this regard for its somewhat eccentric and larger than life master distiller/blender, Richard Paterson! With over 50 years in the business, this is a man who knows his stuff and the Dalmore is, in a way, the love of his life. The 15 year old expression is matured in ex-bourbon casks, before being finished in sherry butts. however the process used by Paterson is quite unique to the Dalmore 15. First the malts are blended together, and then the blend is split into three parts and each part is finished in a different type of sherry; namely Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso. After spending some time in each barrel, they are then re-blended together and bottled.
Vitals:
ABV: 40%
Colour: Amber
Chill-filtered: Yes.
Nose: A delectable stew of plump sherry-filled raisins, candied orange peel, rich fig jam and dark molasses bubbles away with notes of melted butter and brandy drenched dried apricots hanging around on the sidelines. If you have ever tried to make a Christmas cake before, then the aroma will be instantly recognizable as the very one that fills the house while you prepare the fruit.
Palate: Incredibly rich, with heavy notes of cherry infused dark chocolate and blackberries leading giving a a balanced trifecta of sweetness, acidity and astringency. This gives way to figs, raisins and marmalade, which provide a rich, full-bodied sweetness. Behind the sweetness lies cinnamon, cloves and hints of allspice, rounding everything off with a mildly spicy touch.
Finish: Long and incredibly rich with a deep, raisin wine like note reminiscent of Greek Vin Santo wine. At the very tail end, there's a wisp of dried tobacco leaf.
Conclusion:
A medley of dark fruits and mild winter spices, this is probably the closest you will ever get to Christmas cake in a bottle...bar actually trying to literally put one in a bottle (but that's insane!). I am particularly impressed by the intensity of the palate, especially given the relatively low strength that this Dalmore is bottled at. However, at the same time, that same intensity keeps me away from going back immediately for a second dram in the same way that, as much as I love dark chocolate, if I have a segment of a 90% cocoa bar, I'm not going to go back for seconds any time soon as it is just too rich. This whisky is definitely one for special occasions!
한국어 시음평:
향: 셰리, 건포도, 오렌지 껍질, 무화과 잼, 흑설탕 → 버터, 말린 살구.
맛: 체리, 다크 초콜릿, 블랙베리 → 무화과, 건포도, 오렌지 잼, 계피, 정향.
끝맛: 건포도, 그리스 빈산토 와인, 담뱃잎.피니시가 길고 풍부해요.
결론: 이 위스키 안에 크리스마스가 담겨져 있어요.
Review by Glasgowhisky
2020/12/25
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