If you're a fan of fine scotch whisky, you've lkely heard of The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve. This unique blend of three oak types of 10-15 year old whiskies is an aromatic, full-bodied expression meant to be paired with a fine cigar.
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve has been carefully distilled at The Dalmore distillery and is matured for ten to fifteen years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and thirty year old Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass. This combination creates an incredibly complex and flavorful whisky that is enjoyed by whisky enthusiasts all around the world.
On the nose, The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve has strong notes of vanilla and cinnamon, with hints of tropical fruits and banana. The palate is smooth, but with a hint of smokiness that's perfect for pairing with a cigar. On the finish, there are hints of oak tannins that linger on the tongue pleasantly. With an average rating of 8.2/10 from 866 votes, it's clear that this whisky is well loved by many!
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve was discontinued in 2009 and replaced with the Gran Reserva – a slightly more expensive (but lower ranked) expression. However, if you're lucky enogh to find a bottle of the original Cigar Malt Reserve, you won't be disappointed!
Is the Dalmore Cigar Malt Still Available?
Yes, Dalmore Cigar Malt was officially discontinued in 2009. The brand replaced it with the slightly more expensive Gran Reserva, which is a lower ranked whiskey than the Cigar Malt. However, the unique flavor profile of the Cigar Malt can still be found in some rare bottles that have been aged for a longer period of time.
Source: thedalmore.com
Is Dalmore Cigar Malt a Good Scotch?
Yes, The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is a great scotch. It is carefully distilled at The Dalmore and has a smooth and easy-to-drink flavor profile with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, tropical fruits and banana. It has an average rating of 8.2/10 from 866 votes, indicating that it is highly well-liked by whisky drinkers around the world. If you're looking for a good scotch to enjoy, this could be the perfect one for you!
The Age of Dalmore Cigar Malt
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is a unique expression of Scotch whisky that has been matured for 10 to 15 years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, and 30 year old Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass. This complex and rare whisky has been carefully crafted over several decades, allowing it to develop its distinct flavor profile. The result is an aromatic and full-bodied Scotch whisky that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a fine cigar. With its blend of aged whiskeys, the Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is a truy unique spirit with an impressive minimum age of 10 years.
Is the Dalmore Cigar Malt a Blended Whisky?
Yes, Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is a blended whisky. It is composed of three diffeent oak-aged whiskies: 10-15 year old American white oak, 30 year old Matusalem Olorosso Sherry casks and Premier Cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques. The blending of these different whiskies gives the Cigar Malt Reserve its unique flavor profile and complexity. Its flavors are intense with notes of dark chocolate, coffee, cigar box and dried fruits. The long finish has a hint of black cherry and toasted almonds. This exquisite blend has been lauded by experts as one of the best Scotch whisky blends available today.
Pairing Dalmore Cigar Malt with the Perfect Cigar
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is an ideal whisky to pair with a Partagas Serie D No 4 cigar. This combination of smoky, full-bodied whisky and rich, complex cigar creates a perfect balance of flavors that make for an enjoyable experience. The Dalmore's notes of honey and juicy autumn fruit provde a smooth contrast to the cigar's creamy chocolate palate. Together, these flavors marry together in an exquisite symphony of taste that will take you on a journey from start to finish. Whether you are looking for a special occasion pairing or just want to relax with a good smoke and whisky, this duo won't disappoint.
The Most Expensive Dalmore Whiskey
The most expensive Dalmore whisky is the Dalmore Decades 5 Piece Collection. This five-bottle set retails for an eye-watering $275,000, making it one of the most expensive whiskies in the world. Each bottle in this collection was crafted by Master Distiller Richard Paterson and contais single malt Scotch whisky that has been aged in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon barrels, Matusalem sherry butts and port pipes. The oldest whisky in the set is a 50 year old expression that has been allowed to mature for an incredible half century. As well as being incredibly rare and desirable whiskies, each bottle also comes with its own unique design, making this set a collector's dream.
The Smokiness of Dalmore Cigar Malt
Yes, Dalmore cigar malt is smoky. The smokey flavor comes through in the smoothness of the whisky, as well as a hint of caramel. The smokiness lingers on your palate, creating a distinct and memorable flavor that you won't soon forget.
The Origins of the Name ‘Cigar Malt'
The Dalmore Cigar Malt is so named because its creation was inspired by the cigar boom occurring in America, one of The Dalmore's biggest markets. Additionally, the distillery's master blender, Richard Paterson, is an avid cigar smoker and wanted to create a spirit that captured the flavor of his favorite hobby. The result was a single malt Scotch whisky with notes of coffee, cocoa and leather that evoke an intense and complex smoking experience. Therefore, the name ‘Cigar Malt' serves to accurately descibe both the inspiration for the blend and its unique flavor profile.
The Factors Contributing to the Expense of Dalmore Whiskey
The Dalmore L'Anima is an exceptionally rare and exquisite single malt whisky, and its expense is a reflection of the skill and expertise that go into producing it. The whisky is created from three blended assemblages, which are personally crafted by The Dalmore's renowned master distiller Richard Paterson. Each assemblage uses some of the distillery's oldest and rarest casks that have been filled with 40-year-old Pedro Ximenez sherry or Graham's Vintage Port Pipes. These cask varieties provide an unparalleled depth of flavour, creating a unique taste experience for the consumer. Moreover, the process also requires time due to maturation and blending, resulting in a higher cost for the final product. Therefore, it can be said that rarity, quality and craftsmanship all contribute to making The Dalmore L'Anima an expensive whisky.
Is Dalmore a Luxury Brand?
Yes, Dalmore is a luxury whisky brand. It is owned by Whyte & Mackay and has been producing high-quality whisky since 1839. The distillery is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, north of Inverness. It has a history of crafting exceptional whisky using carefully chosen oak barrels and the purest Highland spring water. Dalmore's whiskies are renowned for their depth and complexity of flavour, whch are attributed to its unique maturation process. The brand's award-winning portfolio includes expressions such as Dalmore 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 Year Old and 25 Year Old, as well as its exceptional King Alexander III expression. In short, Dalmore is an iconic luxury whisky brand that stands out for its quality and craftsmanship.
The Quality of Dalmore Whiskey
The Dalmore 12 Year Old is an excellent single malt whisky, highly rated by whisky connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. Its aroma is complex and inviting, with hints of citrus, chocolate and spices. On the palate, it offers a smooth and full-bodied flavour with notes of coffee, honey and toffee. The finish is long and lingering, with an overall balance that is truly remarkable. All in all, it is a superb whisky which should definitely be experienced by any whisky lover!
The Best Dalmore Whiskey: A Comparison
The Dalmore 35 Year Old is widely regarded as the best Dalmore whiskey. It is a unique single malt Scotch whisky aged in American White Oak ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem oloroso sherry butts and Madeira drums. This exquisite blend has been married in ex-bourbon barrels for the final two years of maturation and bottled at 44% ABV. The result is an exceptional whisky with a luxurious nose of honeyed orange marmalade, roasted chestnuts and dark chocolate. On the palate, this expression reveals notes of dried fruits, candied orange peel, sweet vanilla and cinnamon spice. With a long and smooth finish, it's no wnder why this whisky is so highly sought after.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is an exquisite single malt scotch whisky that delivers a unique and complex flavor. Matured in three different oak types – American white oak ex-bourbon casks, 30 year old Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks and Premier Cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques – it offers a unique blend of vanilla, cinnamon, tropical fruit and banana notes. With an average rating of 8.2/10 from 866 votes, it is clear that this whisky is well-loved by those who have trid it. The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a truly special whisky experience.
