Evidently some years ago the title Cigar Malt was confusing to some drinkers of The Dalmore. Did they need to have this with a cigar, what if they didn’t smoke? The confusion, I guess, led to less than stellar sales for that particularly titled dram. So the bottling was pulled from production, but as Master Blender, Richard Paterson traveled about the globe over the last few years, hosting tastings, he frequently heard, “Where’s that Dalmore Cigar Malt?”

The last bottling of the old Cigar Malt was in 2008 and had a slightly different composition than this new release.  The old Cigar Malt was aged in 60% Oloroso Matusalem Sherry, for two years, and 40% in ex-bourbon American White Oak, with the whisky ages ranging from 10-14 years. it was bottled at 43% ABV and later at 40%.

The new Cigar Malt Reserve is 70% Oloroso Matusalem (30 years old) Sherry (for three years not two years as the original) to 30% American White Oak. It is now bottled at 44%ABV. Its first release was at The Universal Whisky Experience in Las Vegas on Friday March 18, 2011.

How does it taste?

On the nose, a big sherry hit, light smokiness, orange flesh, raisin, cinnamon. On the palate it reveals rich dark dried fruits, vanilla, baking spices, peach and mango sweetness with a very creamy mouthfeel. Its spicy, lingering finish ends on a dark chocolate note. For me an 85-90. In relation to the Dalmore’s I tasted about ten days ago, I’d rate this just below the Clan Mackenzie and the King Alexander III. The Cigar Malt Reserve bottling will run about $125. The Clan Mackenzie is about $165 and the King Alexander, about $220

Here’s what Richard Paterson has to say, “Naturally this beautiful whisky is still perfect with the finest cigars – Honduras and of course Cuban too!  Coffee / The Dalmore Cigar Reserve /Chocoale 72% cocoa fat / cigar – the perfect combination but if this noble spirit is not held long in mouth for at least 30 seconds before swallowing then many of these hidden flavours will be lost.”

For me, drinking this dram without a cigar is just fine and really preferable, but I did try mine with some  dark chocolate and that was a great addition. In fact I tasted with the Lindt chili pepper infused chocolate which I highly recommend.

From my reading from various sources, it seems the Gran Reserva, was at one time supposed to be the replacement for the old Dalmore Cigar Malt, although various tasters of the Gran Reserva did not find it to be a satisfactory replacement and of their current line up I would agree it is not one of my faves.

Awards:

International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

Beverage Tasting Institute, 91 points, Gold Medal

Other media on The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve

http://www.tastings.com/scout_spirits.lasso?id=194873

Cheers!

Thanks to Laura Baddish for supplying samples.