The Dalmore 15 Year Old is comprised of stock matured in three different types of sherry cask: Matusalem (combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherries), Apostoles (Palo Cortado that spent some time in ex-Pedro Ximenez casks), and Amoroso (medium dry sherry). That's quite a lineup and speaks to just how seriously The Dalmore takes its sherry maturation program. The downside, of course, is that The Dalmore is still a proponent of chill filtering, color addition, and low strength bottling.
Behind window #5: The Dalmore 15 Year Old, 40% alc., £43/$65
C: Caramel
N: Wholewheat toast smeared with orange marmalade, high cocoa-content dark chocolate with crystallized orange peel, peanut brittle, garam masala, and then filtered coffee in the background
P: Flat across the palate (damn you 40% alc.!), porridge with maple syrup, more filtered coffee, more dark chocolate with orange peel, cardamom, and a little cinnamon
F: Short to moderate (see previous parenthetical comment), drying spice, bitter chocolate, coffee, and just a hint of chicory
In conclusion: While a perfectly enjoyable dram it could be so much more. Why take great stocks of sherry matured spirit and bottle them at such a low strength? Why chill filter away the original character? And why add color in order to tell a story that isn't true? Truth be told, there's a plethora of better sherried whiskies on the market that are worth your attention and hard earned cash.
Sincere thanks to Master of Malt's Drinks by the Dram for the sample.
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