Dalmore Single Cask Asta Morris for The Bonding Dram

On Thursday 9 May 2013 a group of 20 whisky aficionados, myself included, were invited the the Belgian online retailer The Bonding Dram to select a cask for their sixth birthday. Quite an honor that had been bestowed upon us. The tasting was blind. Only after we had made our final selection did we find out that it was a Dalmore single cask. Not only that, but it was a cask from the Asta Morris stables, run by former Malt Maniac Bert Bruyneel (Crazy Bert to his friends). Needless to say what follows is nothing but praise (well, we did select it after all), including about the grand Roy Lichtensteinesque label. I love it almost as much as the whisky itself.

The nose is creamy and deep, with loads of sherry influence. Think dark fruit with nuts, cough syrup, crystal malt, hint of chocolate, potpourri and a lovely mineral side. Hints of blood oranges and soft spices. I am not exaggerating, this is a grand nose.

It is silky soft on the palate with a perfect dose of malt, caramel, chocolate, rum raisins and candied pineapple, upholstered with a touch of ginger and heather. Complexity, anyone?

The spicy finish is medium long on ginger and heather. It paints a smile on my face.

This is not a whisky to be discussed or debated to the end of time, but one to thoroughly enjoy with friends while playing cards or watching a good football match. And only 45 EUR, which is an absolute steal! So I got me a box of 6. It is going to be a long summer. I gave it one extra point for personal reasons as I am sure you will understand.

Find where to buy Dalmore whisky