Whisky Review/Tasting: Dalmore Port Vintage 1998

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Dalmore Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially matured in ex-bourbon casks followed by a finishing period in exclusive port wine casks from W and J Graham's bodega in Portugal for two years. The port casks had been in use for 20 years prior.
Age Statement: 18 years.
ABV: 44%.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the influence of port casks suggests a potentially rich and deep color.
Bottle Design: Features the typical Dalmore bottle with a deer emblem, accompanied by a hefty, thick box. Tasting notes by Richard Patterson are included on the back.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance with a strong presence of fruit notes, particularly plums and black currants, complemented by a significant vanilla note and lighter citrus tones.
Unique Characteristics: The finishing in port wine casks adds a distinctive layer of dark fruit notes, including English marmalade, satsuma plums, vanilla, black currants, honeyed bananas, blueberries, grape, damson plums, dark treacle, and Christstollen cake.
Comparison: More intense and with a stronger vanilla note compared to the Dalmore 2001 vintage, indicating fresher ex-bourbon casks were used prior to the port cask finishing.

Experiment by Richard Patterson: The whisky is the result of an experiment by Richard Patterson, Dalmore's Master Distiller, involving the finishing of Dalmore whiskies in exclusive port wine casks.
Cask History: The port casks used for finishing were previously employed for 20 years at the W and J Graham's bodega in Portugal, adding a rich historical layer to the whisky's maturation process.

Port Wine Influence: The use of port wine casks from Portugal introduces a unique cultural and geographical dimension to the whisky, blending Scottish distillation traditions with Portuguese wine heritage.
Sherry and Port Cask Tradition: The Dalmore is traditionally known for sherry cask maturation, making the port cask finishing a notable divergence that enriches the distillery's portfolio.

"A wonderful piece of work" - Horst Luening praises the complexity and balance of flavors achieved through the port cask finishing.
"If you're lucky to find one, it's a definite buy" - Luening emphasizes the whisky's limited availability and unique qualities, making it a highly recommended purchase despite its high price.

Dalmore Port Vintage 1998 is an 18-year-old single malt Scotch whisky finished in port wine casks.
Features a complex flavor profile with strong fruit notes, enhanced by the unique finishing process.
The whisky is a result of an experimental approach by Master Distiller Richard Patterson, utilizing port casks from Portugal.
Limited availability and high price point, but highly recommended for its unique characteristics and quality.

Whisky Collectors: Due to its limited availability and unique maturation process, this whisky is a must-have for collectors.
Fans of Fruit-Forward Whiskies: Individuals who appreciate a strong presence of fruit notes in their whisky will find the Dalmore Port Vintage 1998 particularly enjoyable.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a developed palate looking to explore the nuanced effects of port cask finishing on Scotch whisky.