The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve

The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve is a no-age-statement single malt Scotch whisky from the Highlands, bottled at 46.5% ABV and produced at the Dalmore distillery, owned by Whyte & Mackay. It is the result of Dalmore's experiments with casks sourced from around the world, and it foregrounds the fruity, spiced character of port cask ageing.

How is it matured?

The whisky first matures in ex-bourbon casks of American white oak, then is finished in port pipes from the Portuguese port producer W&J Graham's. This finishing adds dark red fruit and spice to Dalmore's full body, while the 46.5% ABV keeps the flavours intense and well defined.

What does Dalmore Port Wood Reserve taste like?

The nose leads with sweet red fruit, Seville orange, plum and sticky toffee pudding. On the palate, nectarine, creamy caramel, roasted chestnut and coffee come together. The finish is long, with ripe plum, sultana, blood orange and liqueur-soaked cherry.

How should it be served, and what food does it pair with?

Taste it neat first, then add a few drops of water to open up the fruit layers from the port cask. Its red-fruit and caramel character pairs well with dark chocolate desserts, fruit-based desserts and mature hard cheeses.