
June 15, 2026

WF's Little Duos,
today Dalmore OB vs IB

A bit like its colleague whose name begins with “Mac” and ends with “allan”, and which we’re still very fond of, not only for its contributions to the cause from the 1960s through to the 1990s, Dalmore seems to me to have been rather less under the whisky chatterati’s radar in recent years. It must be said that the brand’s development owes a great deal to its dashing Master Blender and Ambassador, the only figure in the whisky world, it seems to me, ever to have dared to coordinate his ties with his pocket squares. Not to mention, of course, pouring forty-year-old single malt onto the carpet. Anyway, there’s a fairly recent 17-year-old release, so we might as well take the opportunity to make a little head-to-head comparison…

Dalmore 17 yo (42%, OB, +/-2025)

Twelve years in bourbon wood, then the remainder in a selection of amoroso (cream), Apostoles (palo cortado) and Matusalem (oloroso) sherries from their partner González Byass. In parallel rather than successively, unless I'm mistaken. The only slightly curious thing is the 42%, although you'll tell me that's still better than 40%. Colour: amber. Nose: this is naturally shaped by the sherry, particularly the cream, soft, sweet and indeed rather creamy. In short, it's packed with raisins and dates, while walnut cake and tobacco are not far behind. The fresh oranges so typical of Dalmore have yet to appear, however. No doubt they'll turn up on the palate... Mouth: indeed, they do, with bitter oranges and blood oranges alike, which leaves us thoroughly delighted. Chocolate and, above all, gianduja follow, then a walnut and honey tart (an absolute killer), before some slightly singed raisins bring up the rear. There's a rather pleasing liveliness running through it all, and it never becomes remotely schmalzy, if you see what I mean. Finish: not especially short and, above all, spicier now, with peppered dark chocolate and espresso, both of which finally dispatch any lingering excess sweetness that may still have been lurking in the shadows. Aftertaste: chiefly sherry. Comments: a very handsome bottle, thoroughly Dalmorian in style and one that gives us genuine pleasure. Blast it, we forgot to mention the Jaffa cakes.
SGP:651 - 87 points.

Dalmore 11 yo 2012/2023 (55.6%, Hart Bros., first filled Burgundy)

There had already been an earlier 11-year-old from Hart Bros. at 55.6%, although that one had been finished in sherry wood. This time it's Burgundy, and you'll note that they don't seem inclined to reveal whether it was white or red, although in any case the colour is neither pink nor even ‘thigh of a startled nymph’. Indeed, that is an actual colour, chiefly employed by court painters during the 18th century. Colour: gold. Nose: a small touch of bell pepper and blackcurrant at first, which would seem to suggest red Burgundy, although the colour is remarkably restrained for a first-fill red wine cask. It then develops towards green pepper, thyme honey, bread dough and, quite simply, allspice. With water: plenty of caraway and cumin, along with a little bitter orange, which might lead us towards kirsch, which might lead us towards cherries, which might in turn lead us towards red Burgundy indeed. Well then, I freely admit that's rather shaky detective work. Mouth (neat): very spicy, but also loaded with bitter oranges, which knit the cask and the distillate together rather neatly. Overall, the bitterness is fairly pronounced. With water: we retreat back towards the distillate, much to our delight. Orange peel and bitter chocolate, with even a little lemon. Finish: long, brighter and more focused on citrus skins. A touch of greenness in the aftertaste, apple peelings and suchlike. Comments: I was a little worried at one point, but in the end, everything landed exactly where it ought to have done.
SGP:461 - 85 points.

Check the index of all Dalmore we've tasted

WF's Little Duos, today Dalmore OB vs IB

WF's Little Duos,
today Dalmore OB vs IB