This Dalmore by Scotland’s oldest independent bottler Cadenhead’s is a real luxury dram. Not only has it aged for almost a quarter of a century, but also has it received a rum cask finish of such remarkable length that it could almost be considered a double maturation: No less than 9 years did the liquid sleep in a barrel that previously contained Captain Blackbeard’s favorite beverage. The result is a well-defined, lavish and complex Highlands malt that wears the scents and flavors of the rum cask, in which it was finished, as proudly and gracefully as the Pirate Queen sports her silken cape! In case you stumble across one of the 468 bottles that got filled of this beauty, you are highly recommended to whip out your moneybag and produce the demanded amount of ducats.

by Tobi

Eye: Polish hazelnut brown.
Nose: A gorgeous interplay of Dalmore’s copious spirit and the rum cask’s full-of-flavor staves. Among others, I made out ripened grapes, candied pears, spiced cake, fresh vanilla pods and pulverized muscat. The alcohol – though sturdy – is perfectly integrated into the amazing bouquet of this smooth and savory upper-class dram, which even gets better with a bit of air.
Palate: Initially, we are greeted by a sugary sweetness that quickly makes room for deeper flavors of aromatic spices (curcuma, white pepper) and dark fruits (plums, grapes). There are also mouthwatering notes of honey cake, white chocolate and blossoming trefoil. A bit of leather adds age and depth.
Finish: Fittingly for such a grand whisky, this Dalmore’s finish is both ongoing and rewarding. For one last time, the best qualities of the distillate and the cask mingle to form a jaw-dropping finale.

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Region: Scotland (Highlands)
Age: 24 Years
Alc. volume: 54.9%
Bottle size: 0.7 litres
# of Bottles: 468
Price range: ~125.00 Euro
More info: http://www.wmcadenhead.com/ (Bottler) ; https://www.thedalmore.com/ (Distillery)