Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve Highland Single Malt Whisky 750ml
DescriptionDalmore Cigar Malt Reserve represents the distillery's most indulgent regular expression, specifically created to pair with fine cigars. Master Distiller Richard Paterson, himself a cigar aficionado, crafted this expression to complement rather than compete with premium tobacco. The result is a whisky of remarkable richness and complexity that stands as the perfect partner to life's luxurious moments.
The creation of Cigar Malt involves selecting whiskies aged between 10 and 20 years, chosen for their ability to stand up to cigar smoke while providing complementary flavors. The maturation includes American white oak ex-bourbon casks for foundation, but the magic happens in the finishing. Paterson uses 30-year-old Matusalem oloroso sherry casks, premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques, and vintage port pipes. This trinity of wine influence creates layers of flavor robust enough for cigar pairing.
In the glass, Cigar Malt presents a deep burnished copper color that promises intensity. The nose is immediately rich and inviting, designed to cut through cigar smoke. Intense sherry notes dominate with dark chocolate, espresso, and Christmas pudding richness. The Cabernet Sauvignon influence adds blackcurrant and subtle herbaceous notes, while port contributes berry sweetness. There's a robust quality throughout – this isn't delicate whisky but rather liquid confidence. Orange marmalade, cinnamon, and dark toffee add complexity, while Dalmore's Highland character provides honey sweetness as foundation.
On the palate, Cigar Malt delivers the robustness its purpose demands. The texture is thick and mouth-coating, carrying intense flavors that can stand up to any cigar. Dark chocolate and orange create an immediate impact, followed by waves of sherry richness. The wine influences each contribute: Cabernet adds structure and subtle tannins, port brings sweetness and berry notes. Mid-palate reveals coffee, dark fruits, and warming spices that mirror fine tobacco. Despite the intensity, there's sophistication here – this is power with purpose, not mere strength.
The finish is exceptionally long and warming, designed to linger alongside cigar smoke. The various wine influences create complex interplay, with different notes emerging and receding. Dark chocolate and coffee persist longest, accompanied by orange oils and gentle spices. There's enough tannic grip to cleanse the palate between cigar puffs while maintaining flavor interest. The very end brings a perfect balance of sweet and dry that resets the palate for another sip.
Cigar Malt Reserve succeeds brilliantly in its intended purpose while being thoroughly enjoyable on its own. For cigar smokers, it offers the perfect whisky pairing – robust enough to complement rather than be overwhelmed. For non-smokers, it provides a glimpse into the luxury lifestyle, a dram that suggests leather armchairs and contemplative evenings. This is whisky as accessory to the good life, proof that some expressions are created not just to be drunk but to enhance moments of indulgence.
