hs305 scored this whisky 90 points 
[November, 2019] I do not like most of the Dalmore original bottlings because they are (mostly) too much on the winey side and missing the joys of the malt to a large extend - but this IB release seems to be different...
...and indeed, it is. Not much sherry influence here and the neat dram is very shy but it opens up greatly upon reduction (this is a three points difference in all dimensions). So if you drink all your drams neat only you will miss the best flavours with this one.
...and indeed, it is. Not much sherry influence here and the neat dram is very shy but it opens up greatly upon reduction (this is a three points difference in all dimensions). So if you drink all your drams neat only you will miss the best flavours with this one.
-
The colour is yellow gold and the nose offers a rather shy profile first (even out of a big spheric blender's glass) with significant wooden impressions beside grassy-floral notes. This is not impressive at all, maybe some breathing time helps. No, not really - but some water opens up the nose nicely releasing marzipan, blood oranges and more tasty aromas. I had the neat nose at 87 points only but the reduced one is good for 90.
-
The taste is based on grassy and autumn floral flavours with sweet barley sugars and later some sour-sweet winey notes. The spices are delicious and the wood is absolutely appropriate, I was in fear of much more wood dominance from the nosing impressions. This dram is nicely chewable and it releases more sweeter flavours this way which are very welcomed.
-
The initial mouthfeel is warming with peppery moments and a nice but minor coating effect. The finish is long and adds notes of citric fruits (lime) before the waxes take over towards the end. There are some minor drying moments towards the end that are not distracting at all. Water turns the taste smoother and more delicious with chocolatey and fruity notes, actually this dram benefits from a reduction in all dimensions greatly.
