Dalmore releases Port-finished whisky trio

by Annie Hayes

Highland single malt Scotch The Dalmore has unveiled The Vintage Port Collection, a three-strong set of whiskies matured in vintage Port casks.

The collection comprises vintages from 1996, 1998 and 2001. Initially matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks, each whisky has been finished in tawny Port pipes from winemakers W&J Graham’s in Douro, Portugal, which have been reserved exclusively for The Dalmore. Described as "indulgent and smooth", the collection’s oldest expression is the 1996 Port Vintage. The liquid is said to offer notes of gingerbread and passionfruit on the palate, with a finish of pineapple, marzipan and blood oranges. The 1998 Port Vintage boasts flavours of honeyed bananas, blueberries and grapes, with Damson plums and dark treacle on the finish, while the 2001 Port Vintage has morello cherries to taste, with a coffee finish accompanied by "hints of Turkish delight and figs". Master distiller Richard Paterson, who is celebrating his 50th year in the whisky industry, said: "For me, Port and whisky complement each other perfectly, with Port providing a fruitier palate to The Dalmore’s deep and complex new make spirit. "Being able to finish these new releases in pipes of Graham’s Port, which are some of the finest quality, during my anniversary year is incredibly exciting. I’m delighted to be able to continue our founder’s vision of creating new expressions that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the luxury single malt category." The collection will be available to purchase from selected whisky retailers.