It’s rare to see independent Dalmore bottlings, but in this case it’s also a rare opportunity to try this single malt matured in a bourbon barrel, fully natural and without any further finesseing. In February 2020 Signatory Vintage released this Dalmore 1992.
Dalmore 27 yo 1992 (44,7%, Signatory Vintage 2020, bourbon barrel #1748, 233 btl.)
Nose: very waxy, even greasy. Barbour jackets, lipstick. Reminds me of these 1960s Ben Nevis distillates. Underneath there are sweet apples, oranges and gooseberries. After a while there’s even a lightly tropical note (pineapple and mango). The lightest touch of vanilla. Hints of hay and lemon grass too. Nice.
Mouth: quite juicy and fruity. There’s a sweet tropical note again (mango, pineapple). On the other hand a gingery side with white pepper and nutmeg is almost getting the upper hand, alongside grapefruit zest, orange peel and a floral edge.
Finish: long, zesty, with grapefruit, dried coconut and white oak.
Had the gingery oak been a little less prevailing, it would have been a cracker. Not cheap but a nice experience nonetheless. Available from The Whisky Exchange and a few other places (also a small sample if you like).