The Dalmore – 12 Years Old (70cl, 40%)

This is The Dalmore 12 Years Old, a Highland single malt matured in Oloroso sherry butts and American white oak. It is bottled at 40% in a 70cl bottle, and the label gives 1839 as the year the distillery began. Tasting notes describe a dense nose of dates, dried figs, prunes and bitter orange marmalade, with wax, leather, toasted caramel, vanilla and plenty of cinnamon. The palate is thick, rich and oily, with dark chocolate, espresso, burnt toffee, Oloroso sherry, roasted walnuts and chestnuts, and candied orange. The finish is medium to long, with cocoa powder, nuts, fine wood and a touch of cinnamon.