Malt Mission 2008 #289

The Dalmore 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon Finish
Highland Single Malt Whisky
45% abv
£400

Dalmore has a good reputation for maturing well and some of the distillery's recent releases might prove that (see the 40yo on Friday!). This one expression spent over 30 years of its life in American oak barrels and was then transfered to barrels that once held "the king of grapes", Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau Haut-Marbuzet from the St. Estephe appellation in France.

This wine-maker has a reputation for producing intensely fruity and spicy wines that are rich and decadent, exactly what The Dalmore is going for with their new "Rare & Prestigious" range, of which this is a part... in case the fancy box and price didn't make that apparent.

For more distillery info or to see all Dalmores had on the mission click HERE.

TASTING NOTES:

Strange nose, its as if the aromas work differently than normal, or something. It's strange. Sweet and sour like tart berries, some fresh paint, candle wax, with a root beer sweetness. Very confectionery, like grape powdery candies, or even children's Tylenol. Sourness appears again and is wholly pleasant, salt water, or like sea air with some drying kelp or sitting on a fishing boat. Soft red plums, some kind of fruit syrup, and some spice like mint and/or sandalwood.

Flavours all up front in attack then jump to the back becoming burnt and barky. Thick and undeniably oily, like old Dalmore's often are. Comes in with more Dalmore characteristics of tobacco and chocolate, or drier, cocoa. Cirtus, berry fruits and brown sugar. Long spicy finish with definite wine flavours, liquorice, and an array of berries.

SUMMARY:

This dram had some crazy movement, is complex, quite rare and/or unusual, and not incredibly whisky-y. Had a salty sour boisenberry thing in the nose and a cognac fruitiness in the mouth. Upon swallowing the malt character and cask influences worked together to announce "yes, I am a whisky". I loved it, but it won't be for everyone. In fact, I have had it before and not been so keen. Moody. The way the doctor likes it.

Malt Mission #286
Malt Mission #287
Malt Mission #288
Malt Mission #290

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