We assessed Whisky Review: The Dalmore 15-Year-Old and bottled at 40% ABV. At $140.00, it carries the weight of expectation.
Nose
The amber-adjacent color of pure sugar caramel (as opposed to butter caramel.) High viscosity.
Palate
Straight away it is gently sweet and fruit-forward. As it opens up, notes of red grape skins, morning dew, brown sugar, vanilla, and lemongrass appear one after another. The mouthful is exquisite, so soft on the gums and tongue as to nearly be unbelievable and leaving only the slightest tingle. Flavor notes include kiwi, mandarin orange, unfermented bread dough, and ginger. In addition, the residual flavors of the sherry casks are quite noticeable, yet restrained, sitting just under the whisky and providing a rich red fruit base which the other flavors build off of. Not a hint of peat or smokiness is present.
Finish
Aged in American white oak bourbon barrels 15 years, then finished in a variety of sherry casks including unspecified Amoroso, González Byass Apostoles, and González Byass Matusalem Oloroso. 40% ABV. $140.00/750ml bottle. A truly delicious whisky. Restrained, understated, yet interesting and full-bodied, this is a pure delight to drink. I recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in Highland Scotch whisky. In fact, I recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in Scotch whisky from any region.
Verdict
Whisky Review: The Dalmore 15-Year-Old is an exceptional expression that stands among the finest in its category. It rewards patience and attention in equal measure, and we recommend it without reservation — though at $140.00, one expects nothing less.
