Dewar Rattray ‘Cask Collection’ Dalmore 2013 (5 year old) 59%
Bourbon Cask 2465 – Rum Octave Finish
Dist: May 2013 Btl: Nov 2018/ Tasted: Feb 2019
The nose displays the very obvious rum cask sweetness along with cereal, dried apple, waxy apricot and big, chunky, ‘in yer face’ oak vanillins. The alcohol is pretty well contained although there is a little prickle, which in fact balances the sweetness rather well.
The palate is full and sweet with rummy dried fruit, waxy apricot and hints of almond, cereal and straw. Again the alcohol is well contained and balances the sweetness and oiliness. Lightly herbal and waxy finish with hints of herbal spirit and menthol.
With water the nose is a little simpler and displays more vanilla and sweet waxy fruit. The palate is lighter now with more straw-like barley and less waxy fruit. Pleasantly spiced finish. I love the sweetness that the rum cask imparts and I don’t get any industrial distillery character either!
Dewar Rattray ‘Individual Cask Bottling’ Dalmore 1999 (11 year old) 59.1%
Bourbon Cask 3080/ Dist: 1999 Btl: 2010/ Tasted: Aug 2010
Whoa! Oak and alcohol city!!! Pervasive aromas of caramel-vanilla-butter erupt like a Scandinavian volcano! Yes there are hints of some maderised fruit, balsamic vinegar, coffee and botanicals but the balance is definitely tilted in the oak direction.
As you would expect the palate follows a similar theme. Yes there is a touch of earthy fruit but it’s instantly pummelled to death by the oak and the alcohol. Adding some water doesn’t really make a whole lot of difference, maybe there is a touch more botanicals on the nose, but the palate just becomes overly candied.
Dewar Rattray ‘Individual Cask Bottling’ Dalmore 1999 (14 year old) 53.5%
Bourbon cask 1939/ Dist: 1999 Btl: 2014/ Tasted: Jan 2014
The nose opens with some beautiful honey kissed barley, followed by fleshy, sweet apricot, gooseberry, greengauge, ginger, lemon grass and some light oak.
The palate is quite stony and granity with straw-like apricot and sweet honey. Gently spiced with a developing perfumed fruit note. The alcohol masks the finish.
With water the nose darkens as the treacly malt emerges. The barley develops a lovely fragrant sheen.
The palate is softer and a little simpler, but it brings out the Sugary which now cost the fruit. A little botanical spirit note emerges but I have to say this is an exceptional bourbon casked Dalmore.
Dewar Rattray Vintage Cask Collection Dalmore 1992 (28 year old) 45.1%
Bourbon Barrel 1758/ Dist: Mar 1992 Btl: Sept 2020/ Tasted: Nov 2020
The nose opens with brandy butter and very sawdusty oak. Hints of pepper, edgy rye-like spice, mature tropical fruit, marzipan, barley and apricot. A little heavy on the oak but the oak is wonderfully fragrant. With time lemon, lime and gooseberry.
The palate kicks off with barley, citrus and more compressed oak. Hints of rye-like spice, lemon and developing chunky oak vanillins. A touch of mature baked apple, cinnamon, ginger and lime comes through on the middle. Long and oaky but the citrus kicks in to leave a malty, mature finish. It’s good but I’m not sure its £248 good!
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 