Whisky Tasting – A Grand Dalmore and An Elegant Highland Park

Jim and Nicola got together on the evening of Monday the 12th of March and we were about to open two samples sent to the Whisky Boys for us to taste and review.

First up tonight is the Dalmore Cromartie, the third in a series of limited edition releases crafted by Dalmore’s Master Distiller.  Limited to only 7500 bottles with a price at around £100.00.  It celebrates the ancient lands of Cromartie, heartland of the clan, and home to Castle Leod, the clan’s historic seat where they still reside today. A substantial contribution from the sale of every bottle will go towards the maintenance of the clan estates at Cromartie.

Distilled in 1996 at 45% ABV, The Dalmore Cromartie was initially matured in American white oak casks before being transferred to Oloroso sherry casks from Gonzales Byass, in Jerez de la Frontera.

Dalmore Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Cromartie, 45% Alc/vol 70cl

Colour…Light acorn

Jim’s Tasting

Nose…Quite complex notes in here, mandarins and rich chocolate, a wee hint of coffee.
Taste…Devon custard, rich and very dark chocolate, thick and rich marmalade peel, coffee is still there and crushed pepper spice, you can almost chew this one.
Finish…Long and it is an ideal after dinner dram.
Score…4 Corks

Nicola’s Tasting

Nose… Orange syrup, banana loaf, pineapples.
Taste…Spicy vanilla cinnamon sticks, citrus sun burst, fizzy tingle.
Finish…Long and the chocolate now kicks in.
Score…3.5 Corks

Overall score…4 Corks

Dalmore have done it again, producing a fantastic dram that takes their style of rich, orangey and after dinner Whiskies to a new level, both Whisky Boys really enjoy this one.

You will be able to purchase a bottle from your specialist Whisky shop or on-line and even direct from the Dalmore Distillery.

Our next tasting is:-

Highland Park Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 21 Year Old, 47.5% Alc/vol 70cl

This elegant dram was matured in mainly American oak Sherry casks. This Highland Park 21 year old will join Highland Park’s permanent portfolio of 12, 18, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts. Like the Dalmore this dram will also set you back around the £100.00 mark. Colour…Golden summer sand

Jim’s Tasting

Nose…Light heathery peat smoke, chocolate orange.
Taste…Rich dark chocolate, dry, aromatic oak, marmalade sandwiches, with delicate vanilla , light sherry note.
Finish…Long leaving a sweet smoky and warming and drying spice finish.
Score…
4 Corks.

Nicola’s Tasting

Nose…Salty crisps, tropical fruits, liquorice allsorts.
Taste…Liquorice, spicy vanilla cheesecake, waft of burnt bread crusts.
Finish…Long with the liquorice remaining to the very end.
Score…4 Corks.

Overall score…4 Corks.  Great pair of tastings tonight with only good things to say about these two.  Delightful and elegant would make a special occasion even more special. This dram will be available from specialist Whisky Shops and from the Highland Park Distillery.

 

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