Another Dalmore that I tried during one of the tasting highlights of this year at TastToe, in which the irreplaceable Richard Paterson presented five exquisite Dalmore expressions in honour of his 50th anniversary in the whisky industry (check Dalmore 35 Years and Dalmore 50 Years).
The Dalmore 40 Year Old is an expression bottled in 2006. It was distilled in 1966, matured in American white oak for 33 years, with an extra maturation in Matusalem sherry casks.
Mind that there is a new Dalmore 40 released this year, bottled at 42%, presented in a Baccarat decanter and available for around € 7200. We tried the older version.
The Dalmore 40 yo 1966
(40%, OB 2006, 1000 btl.)
The Dalmore 40 yo 1966Nose: quite a vibrant nose of fresh figs, trademark oranges and juicy plums, with some rich polished oak and aromatic tangerine peel. Blackcurrant leafs. Hints of ethereal oils and a touch of old cognac. Light tropical touches underneath. Light, deeply sherried but also very fruity.
Mouth: sweet and sour, bringing out grapes, Damsons and lots of (Seville) oranges again. Marmalade. Blackcurrants followed by spices (mint, eucalyptus, clove). Sandalwood. Then more towards toffee and cocoa.
Finish: long, on chocolate, tobacco leaves and liquorice.
Excellent Dalmore, with a fine, oak-infused but also lusciously fruity profile. I believe it was originally around € 2000 already – now there’s a new edition at 42% for around € 7000.
Score: 91/100