Dalmore 21 Matusalem Oloroso Cask (Pre-release) - 43.8%
As this is a pre-release, the final details for this expression are still under wraps. For now the only information available is that it’s 21 year old, matured in rare Matusalem sherry casks and bottled at 43.8%.
Matusalem is a sweet Sherry or Oloroso Dulce, produced by combining a dry Oloroso sherry with around 25% Pedro Ximénez.
“The whisky makers' view: refined house style - bitter chocolate, Seville blood orange, subtle spice. Harmony, balancing Columbian coffee on the nose, sweet liquorice on the palate and peaches on the finish”.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Honey gold, forms a thin line which beads and falls as slow, thin legs.
Nose: Quite closed at first, after a while subtle notes of coffee cream chocolates, orange oil and woody oak come through.
Palate: Soft but complex, rich black coffee, woody oak dryness, Seville orange marmalade, star anise and caramel.
Finish: Caramel, stone fruit, ginger, mild oaky astringency
Summary: This is a really interesting whisky, packed with soft, subtle tones. It takes a while to open up, but patience is rewarded with gentle notes of coffee and orange. The palate also is subtle but complex, the characteristic orange note coming through together with coffee and a caramel sweetness. With warming ginger and caramel leading the way in a slightly dry finish, this is a real treat.
Everything about this whisky feels very subtle and nuanced, but it’s one of those whiskies you could sit with and contemplate for a long time. Patience really is the key here, allow the whisky time in the glass and the notes will reveal themselves.
No details on price or launch date as yet, but this is definitely a whisky worth keeping an eye out for.
If you would like more information on the Dalmore Distillery, follow the link to the company website.
This sample was part of a 4 dram selection for a TweetTasting session organised by @TheWhiskyWire and the Dalmore Distillery.
Transparency: this sample pack was received free of charge for independent review. The author has no affiliation with the distillery, all opinions are my own and remain completely impartial.
