Dalmore Valour

Dalmore Valour, NAS, 40 %

The Dalmore Valour is a Travel Retail Exclusive, selling at around GBP 60 for a 1 litre bottle. Quite decent, especially if the whisky is good. So, let's find out.

Here is what Dalmore say about their whisky:

Matured initially in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, the spirit is then transferred to 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry wood casks from Gonzalez Byass, before being finessed in Port pipes from the Douro region in Portugal for a unique finish.

Valour was named to honour the brave actions of Colin of Kintail , Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, when he saved the life of King Alexander III of Scotland. It is exclusively available from travel retail.

Nose: Very soft and delicate on the nose. Vanilla, sponge cake, nuts, figs and unspecified fruits. I quite like the aromas here, even if I am not able to pick out many specific characteristics. I guess it also reminds be of a fine, old wine in a way. A bit earthy and 'old', if you know what I mean. If you don't, then I do not blame you...half the time I do not know what I mean myself...

Taste: The mouthfeel is a bit thin and somewhat oily. Mild fruits, dark caramel, dark and rich chocolate, figs, and red berries.

Finish: Medium long finish. Dried now, and with a slightly bitter edge. Caramel, figs, marzipan, burnt toast, bitter oranges, bitter almonds, and caramel sauce left a bit too long on the stove.

Comments: A fine dram, but not exactly my style. The heavy caramel notes and the bitter edge is not my favourite, but I know many like this kind of whisky.

Score (82/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas