Dalmore Valour, Single Malt, 40%

This whisky has been quietly sitting at the back of my spirits stash for too long.

Worried that it could be getting past it’s ‘best before’ date a few drams were deemed in order.

Dalmore is a popular brand represented by the highly entertaining master blender Richard Paterson.

Valour is a Travel Retail Exclusive NAS (Non Age Statement) matured in ex-bourbon casks & aged in oloroso & port barrels. Presented at 40% it contains added caramel & is likely chill filtered too.

I found it an easy going single malt with a soft kiss of tobacco smoke, dark fruits & a touch of prickly frisson on the finish.

I’d describe the flavours as dirty, muddy & muted – but they are warming, welcoming & accessible.

The whole range benefits from a visually distinctive bottle replete with a deer’s antler motif.

A rather ‘safe’ whisky.

Sláinte

Dalmore webpage here.

An interview with Richard Paterson here.

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Red Hackle De Luxe, Scotch Whisky, 70 Proof, Blend.

The cork disintegrated on trying to open this miniature Red Hackle.

Red Hackle c/othewhiskeynut

Not a promising start.

Several old bottles of whisky I’ve picked up along the way have also started to deteriorate – leaving a stale musty taste behind.

Red Hackle had only a faint whiff of decay – along with some sherried depth & a teaser of tabacco.

A charming dram c/othewhiskeynut

Silky smooth mouthfeel,

The finish had an engaging prickly dryness topped off with a smidgen of smoke.

Red Hackle has held it’s delights very well over the decades.

Surprisingly so – as the internet suggests my bottle is from the 1960’s!

A charming dram.

Sláinte