Newbie asking "The Dalmore" (Cigar Malt) should I...

[SixCats!]

Hi all,

My name is SixCats! (aka Tom) and this is my first post here at WM.
I'm pretty new to the World of Whiskey/Whisky. Recently, I have gone "nutz" researching all things Whiskey/Whisky, making list upon list of items of interest, searching the Web, etc. My first purchases were REDBREAST, THE FAMOUS GROUSE (Gold Reserve) and POWERS Gold label. I also stored away a bottle of HP 12. This past weekend, I went a little crazy and purchased the following Spirits : REDBREAST
(two bottles, LOVE this Irish), Bushmills BLACK BUSH, THE IRISHMAN (original Clan aka 70) and a bottle of TAMDHU 10 (I'm a bargain guy). Now, I am seeking advice from the WM experts. I know of a source who has the original "The Dalmore Cigar Malt". My understanding is that A: THE DALMORE CM is no longer being made (has been renamed Grand Reserve or something to that effect) and B: THE DALMORE will no longer be available in New England (at least for the time being). Bottom line, would I be foolish not to purchase THE DALMORE CIGAR MALT at under forty dollars a bottle ? Thanks for any help/advice offered.

Regards,
SixCats!

[The Third Dram]

Good to have you here, Tom. Welcome!

The price on the Dalmore Cigar Malt isn't bad at all.

However, I must admit I've not exactly been bowled over by this whisky. The input from the Sherry casks utilized strikes me as a tad on the heavy side, obscuring rather than enhancing the intrinsic characteristics of the distillery's make (particularly that lovely orange/citrus quality).

There's also a somewhat 'burnt', 'tarry' quality that lurks throughout the palate presentation, and that reminds me a little of some Caribbean rums or of Knob Creek bourbon. Not totally unpleasant, mind you. But still a little disconcerting in the overall scheme of things.

I can see where imbibing the Cigar Malt alongside a good stogie might bring matters into better balance. But standing on its own, the spirit just misses the mark for me.

As in all such matters, though, trust your own tastes/preferences and take it from there.

[Willie JJ]

The input from the Sherry casks utilized strikes me as a tad on the heavy side, obscuring rather than enhancing the intrinsic characteristics of the distillery's make (particularly that lovely orange/citrus quality).

There's also a somewhat 'burnt', 'tarry' quality that lurks throughout the palate presentation

I'm inclined to think that it's more like the influence of the caramel casks.

[SixCats!]

Hi all,

Thank you "The Third Dram" for the warm welcome. Yea, I'm kind of torn about the purchase of the Cigar Malt. I've read several POSTIVE reviews on "The Dalmore Cigar Malt" as well as several comments such as you posted. I dunno, perhaps I'd be better served if I took a little "petty cash" along with the twenty dollar gift card I received from the State of N.H. Liquor store
(a feebie for having purchased one hundred and twenty dollars of Spirits on Mother Day). Ummmm, perhaps Jameson 12, Powers or Tullamore Dew 12, Talisker 10, Old Pulteney 12, Laphroaig QC, etc. etc. etc.
Well, I don't have to decide tonight.

Regards,
SixCats!

[lockejn]

I'd pass on the Dalmore as well. Come on into NH and pick up a bottle of Old Pulteney or Glenfarclas if you haven't tried them. About the best values around (IMHO) and you won't need too much petty cash with that gift card. Speyburn is also a great value, but not everyone appreciates it so much as i do.

[SixCats!]

Hi Lock,

Thank you for your excellent suggestions. OP 12 is on my "to try" list as well as Glenfarclas 105. Glenfarclas 105 however was not avaliable when I visit the N.H. store. I found a bottle of 105 in R.I. but it was waaaaay too expensive! Last night, I had myself a "nip" of BUSHMILLS "Original" Irish Whiskey (which I purchased at a MA liquor store for 99 cents). Heck, I found the "Original" a darn smooth & nice dram. I can't wait until I open the BLACK BUSH.

Regards,
SixCats!

[The Third Dram]

Tom...

You've tried the regular Bushmills and enjoyed it. You have your eyes set on trying Black Bush (really good at its price point). I'd then also suggest you get a bit extravagant and search out a bottle of Bushmills 400th Anniversary if and where it night be available. This one's a special edition made with crystal malt (as used by specialist brewers) and bottled non-chill-filtered at 46%ABV. It's quite a whisky!

As an aside, the 10YO Bushmills single malt has never done it for me. However, the 16YO edition remains a notably tasty, complex dram.

Doug

[SixCats!]

Hi Doug,

Yes indeed! Although I wouldn't call the Bushmills "Original" a very complex Whiskey, I did rather enjoy it's smoooothness and enjoyed it's (rather light) but wonderful taste. I believe it would be waaaay too easy to drink TOO much of such a smooth tasting Whiskey if one were not paying close attention. As I mentioned before, I bought five bottles of Spirits in N.H. on "Mothers Day" two Redbreast, one "The Irishman Original Clan" (aka 70), one Tamdhu 10 and one Bushmills BLACK BUSH! Well Sir, since I am on an extended weekend (off until Thursday morning) I will be tasting some good ol' Irish BB tonight! Oooh, thanks Doug for the "heads up" on the Bushmills 400 Ann. edition. I did read about the Bushmills 400 (somewhere) and it's on my radar!

Regards,
Tom aka SixCats!

[Ganga]

The original release of the Dalmore Cigar Malt was very good. However, subsequent batches are not quite as good. I will try to post some notes here this week as I have some Dalmores sitting at home (inlcuding a CM).

[Muskrat Portage]

Ganga:
Me too, maybe when I'm home long enough - gotta a meeting tonight - we can do an impromptu tasting on the Dalmore CM. I've also got some fine Cubans (cigars) that Mrs Musky brought home on her last trip to enjoy with it. Too bad you moved away from this neck of the woods eh?

Musky

[Ganga]

I did a flight of Dalmores tonight. Thought you guys would like to see the notes.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6215&p=238655#p238655

[pkt77242]

Hmm, I would say pass on the CM, I got to agree with Willie, too much caramel.

The input from the Sherry casks utilized strikes me as a tad on the heavy side, obscuring rather than enhancing the intrinsic characteristics of the distillery's make (particularly that lovely orange/citrus quality).

There's also a somewhat 'burnt', 'tarry' quality that lurks throughout the palate presentation

I'm inclined to think that it's more like the influence of the caramel casks.

[Whyte&MackayUSA]

Hello SixCats!

Thank you for your interest in The Dalmore! Before ruling out trying this fine Scotch whisky, please allow us to give you more information on The Dalmore Gran Reserva. As is common with many scotch producers, expressions often change every few years. Due to some consumer issues concerning The Dalmore Cigar Malt, we have renamed this expression to The Dalmore Gran Reserva and changed its liquid profile as well to include 60% Oloroso sherry wood and 40% American bourbon casks (previously 50/50), delivering an intense experience with an intriguing sweet, vanilla finish. It is also important to mention that the Gran Reserva has been awarded with a Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 91/100 at the Beverage Testing Institute in 2009, which are two of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world. If you would kindly advise us in which city and state you live in, we can certainly find a store near you that carries Gran Reserva. We have not fully re-launched The Dalmore in New England, but we are in the process of doing so, and if it is not currently available in your state, rest assure it will be soon. For more information about the new Dalmore range, please visit us at www.TheDalmore.com.

The Dalmore USA Marketing Team

[SixCats!]

Hello The Dalmore,

Thank you for responding to my post. I will keep an eye open
(and an open mind) for the new Grand Reserva. Thank you once again.

Regards,
SixCats! aka Tom Patrick