The newly re-branded official bottling range from the Dalmore which now sports a golden stag’s head in place of the more familiar silver. The color is a deep rich reddish mahogany suggesting the presence of sherry. The nose is of cereals, pizza dough, malt and cut grass in some moments. After a minute or two there is heather, some clove, spice from the oak and warm Weetabix. After a few more minutes sweet dessert wine emerges, very nice. With water is a dramatic change to reveal plasticine, good fruit and old wooden furniture along with some furniture polish. A very busy nose. The taste is at first mildly ‘green’ followed by rich malt and sweet wine followed by very light tobacco, varnish and brandy. It is very nice and there is also some very light cocoa. With water it is much more subtle but the flavours as are described without water. Some slight hints of roses and heather also. The finish is very dry with loads of wood spice and bitter cocoa which is quite excellent. Chocolate, bitter cold tea and a really superb malt delivery at the very end that is also slightly oily. The finish is very long and malty.

What a grand dram for a 12 year old and quite different to most malts.

C$68

Score 83 Points

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