About a year ago, The Dalmore revised its core range. The Dalmore ‘Cigar Malt’ was replaced by this ‘Gran Reserva’. It is a combination of Gonzalez Byass sherry matured spirit (60%) and bourbon matured spirit (40%). There’s no age statement, but it is said to be between 10 and 15 years. As a possible partner for a good Havana, it should be robust, rich and aromatic. Now where did I leave those Montecristo’s…

The Dalmore ‘Gran Reserva’
(40%, OB 2008)

Nose: heather and dark chocolate. Rather malty. Orange marmelade. Cake. Hints of sherry and oak. Roasted coffee beans. Mouth: slightly weakish but rich enough. Heather again. Orange notes. Caramel as well (too bad). Vague smoke. Finish: mixture of coffee, dry oloroso sherry and hints of vanilla.

This Dalmore has a nicely roasted, sherried and robust character but it could gain extra points with a higher strength. A point of criticism that’s not new, but still valid in times when other distilleries are switching to 43 and 46% for standard bottlings. Around € 40.

Score: 81/100