Dalmore 2008 Vintage - 45.8%

Matured initially in American white oak bourbon casks, before finishing in a combination of Matusalem sherry and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Bottled in 2023 at 45.8% ABV with no added colour or chill-filtration.

Tasting notes

Appearance: New gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling slowly as thick, oily legs.

Nose: Caramel hazelnut toffee enrobed in milk chocolate, orange marmalade, a hint of mustiness.

Palate: Terry’s Toffee Crunch milk chocolate orange segments, baked Bramley apples stuffed with sultanas and a drizzle of honey, vanilla custard and a touch of cinnamon. 

Finish: Mild astringency, more of that chocolate orange, baklava, vanilla sauce and warming cinnamon.

Overall: A really enjoyable whisky, with plenty to entertain the palate. Well balanced, the sweeter notes are nicely harmonized rather than competing with each other. I could happily drink more than a few drams of this.

Priced at around £160, which for me is a big sticking point. It’s a very good whisky, but it’s not a price point I can justify paying. And that, for me, is Dalmore in a nutshell…they make some very good whisky but there are plenty of equally good alternatives which provide far better value for money. 

If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Dalmore Distillery, follow the link to the company website.

Transparency: Received free of charge for independent review, all opinions are my own and remain completely impartial.