Whisky: Dalmore 25 Year (1989), Cadenhead’s

Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands

ABV: 47.5%

Cask: Oak

Age: 25 Years (Distilled 1989, Bottled 2014)

Nose: Sweet citrus with grapefruit and something vaguely tropical, citrus pith with mellow coastal vibes; a touch of dried grass and old books.

Palate: Medium to light-bodied and mellow, austere and reserved with citrusy grapefruit and peppery spirit, plenty of oak with more subtle notions of melon rind; herbal tea and tobacco

Finish: Medium-length with waxy citrus rinds and oak.

Score: 5-6 (76)

Mental Image: Grapefruit Granita and Dirty Ashtrays by the Sea

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was soft and reserved with sweet citrusy notions of grapefruit and a vaguely tropical sorbet— almost, but never quite fully pineapple. Citrusy pith with a refreshing bittersweet quality carried on with gentle coastal salt and minerals.  A touch of dried grass and old books appeared fleetingly.  Medium to light-bodied, mellow and austere with citrusy grapefruit and bitter orange gradually opening toward herbal tea. Peppery spirit and oak drifted underneath with subtle melon rind and salt; slightly bitter toward the end as tea turned toward tobacco. Medium-length with waxy citrus and oak.

Restrained and austere at times, the aroma was simple and pleasant.  The palate featured a lovely pop of citrus and a gradual transition toward slightly bitter tobacco— old cigarette butts, maybe. The woody elements felt over-baked as if this spent a touch too long in the cask, yet the wood also felt fairly knackered, without much to give to the whisky. It was an odd duality.

Overall, drinkable and fun to share, but I would pass on trying this again.