Each November, The Dalmore assesses its assortment of casks and pulls a handful that signify the distillery’s home fashion — however which had been all distilled in a single yr. These Classic Assortment releases are rarities that exemplify the perfect of what’s within the cellar, all very restricted Highland single malts which might be mentioned to showcase the guts of what makes The Dalmore so recognizable.
For 2023, the distillery has pulled two vintage-dated Choose Editions, one from 2005 and one from 2008. We received samples of each to strive. Let’s get into it.
The Dalmore Choose Version 2005 – 18 years outdated. Aged in bourbon casks then completed in classic 2005 sherry casks and Matusalem sherry casks earlier than marrying, then bottling. Vivid citrus on the nostril, richly nutty and frivolously oxidized. Notes of almond construct and construct, nearly impossibly, to create an immersive and wealthy aroma. All this and extra on the deep, soulful palate: vanilla custard, milk chocolate, almond nougat, and layers of figs and dates make this really feel far older than it really is (although at 18 years of age, it’s no spring hen). Bottled at simply the appropriate abv to deliver out its rounded, creamy traits, the end sprinkles in a light-weight dusting of Christmas spice, making for an ideal vacation tipple. Simply the perfect Dalmore I’ve encountered in years. Pity the worth is so excessive. 98.6 proof. A / $500
The Dalmore Choose Version 2008 – 15 years outdated. Aged equally in bourbon, then completed in 15 yr outdated (non-vintage) Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and Matusalem sherry casks earlier than marrying and bottling. The addition of PX sherry throws this bottling a slight curveball, and the nostril reveals it, with a stronger, extra wine-heavy nostril, wealthy with stewed fruits and fig jam atop a extra candied orange observe, laced with chocolate. A bit extra astringent on the tongue, with an orange peel observe counterbalanced by a wealthy layer of honey, plus hints of lemon tea, contemporary hay, and a observe of tobacco leaf. Extra cocoa powder on the end, with ample citrus lingering. Glorious. 91.6 proof. A- / $200
The Dalmore Choose Version 2005
$500
