We Tried The New Dalmore Cask Curation Series Port Edition

Credit: The Dalmore

The Dalmore Cask Curation series began with the release of The Sherry Edition – three exquisite single malts from The Dalmore, aged in ex-bourbon and then finished in sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass in Spain. As promised, The Dalmore has unveiled the second release in the ongoing Cask Curation series: The Port Edition.

The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition comprises three single malts from the scotch distillery that have been finished in casks from port brand Graham’s. The casks were used to age single-harvest tawny ports from 1997, 1994, and 1952. The whiskies are aged 27, 30, and 43 years, totaling a century of age between them. They were all aged in ex-bourbon barrels before their finishing periods, which were two years for the 27  and 30 year olds and three years for the 43 year old. The 27 year old is bottled at 49.3%, the 30 year old at 43.9% and the 43 year old at 41.8%. The whiskies will be sold together, with just 150 sets available globally priced at $37,500.

Why Is The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition Such A Valuable Collectors’ Piece?

Let’s start with its scarcity. Only 150 sets of the Cask Curation Port Edition will be made available globally. Whyte & Mackay hasn’t revealed its RRP, and we don’t yet know how many sets will make it to the US. The series’ first release, the Sherry Edition, was priced at $37,500 when it launched in 2023 so it’s safe to assume the Port Edition will be in a similar ballpark.

Additionally, the cask-sharing agreement between The Dalmore and Graham’s is exclusive. No other whisky producer in the world has access to these port casks. The chance to experience this unique combination should appeal to lovers of port and scotch whisky — particularly considering that Graham’s has a formidable global reputation for the quality of its ports.

And a fact for the port fans out there: there are no more available bottles of that 1952 single-harvest tawny port, adding to the aura of rarity around this release.

Few people in the world will be lucky enough to purchase one of these sets. If you get the chance for even the faintest sniff of these whiskies, take it.

These Whiskies Are Old But Not That Old — Are They Really Worth The Money?

Emphatically, yes. The Dalmore selected these particular port casks not for their age but for the flavor and the story behind them. Distilleries and bottlers are pushing for ever-older age statements, especially in the luxury end of the market where The Dalmore plays. It takes guts (and of course skill) for a distiller to release a whisky at the right age, not the oldest one.

Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.

By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Ultra-aged releases have been dropping at a rate of knots in the past few weeks: 50-year-olds from The Balvenie and Benromach; the 55-year-old 200th-anniversary edition from The Glenlivet; the 84-year-old single malt in The Macallan’s TIME : SPACE release. Whisky fans and collectors with the money to spend on a release like this would do well to remember that age isn’t everything.

Scotch

The Dalmore 27 Year Old 1997 Cask Curation Port Edition

8

Tasting Notes:

About:
A 27 year old single malt from The Dalmore aged for 25 years in ex-bourbon casks then finished for two years in a Graham’s 1997 single harvest tawny port cask.
Appearance:
Pale Maple Syrup
Nose:
The Dalmore hallmarks of chocolate and orange come through in freshly baked chocolate babka and strips of candied orange peel. Alongside that, there’s pear and ripe stone fruit with hints of herbaceous spice and liquorice.
Palate:
Maunka honey comes forward on the palate with rich dark-milk chocolate, clove-studded orange, sweet baking spice, and glazed strawberries (like those that would top a decadent Parisian pastry).
Finish:
It lingers, smooth as velvet, with notes of chocolate and citrus oils with returning liquorice.
Comments:
A chocolatey, zingy, velvety delight. It has taken on the smoothness you’d hope for from this length of aging but lost none of its spark. The finishing periods for these whiskies were shorter than those in the Sherry Edition expressions. Dalmore says this is because the port casks are primarily for “flavor enhancement”, as well as adding softness to the mouthfeel.
Scotch

The Dalmore 30 Year Old 1994 Cask Curation Port Edition

9

Tasting Notes:

About:
A 30 year old single malt whisky from The Dalmore aged for 28 years in ex-bourbon casks then finished for two years in a Graham’s 1994 single harvest tawny port cask.
Appearance:
Rich Amber
Nose:
Buttery and creamy — the influence of those bourbon casks exerting itself. Vanilla custard in a fresh pastel de nata, and the fragrant sweetness of honeysuckle. Then come ripe blood orange and mandarin, peppermint, coffee bean and, with more time, chocolate sponge cake.
Palate:
The creaminess and classic Dalmore notes combine into chocolate and orange mousse, accented with dried cranberry and fig. There’s more honey, too, which is now almost mead-like.
Finish:
Slight tannin reveals on the finish, with oaky spice (notably ginger) and almond biscotti. Some leathery notes hint at its age.
Comments:
The Graham’s team intimated that 1994 is on the verge of being declared one of the port industry’s best vintages to date. This cask has definitely worked some magic on the Dalmore’s single malt. The balance between the spirit character, the bourbon barrels and those powerful port flavors is excellent.
Scotch

The Dalmore 43 Year Old 1952 Cask Curation Port Edition

8

Tasting Notes:

About:
About: A 43 year old single malt whisky from Dalmore aged for 40 years in ex-bourbon casks then finished for three years in a Graham’s 1952 single harvest port cask.
Appearance:
Burnished Amber
Nose:
It’s distinguished and zippy all at one. Lemon peel and orange oils, prominent earthy liquorice, burnt cinnamon and black pepper are accompanied by cup mushroom, truffle-infused oil and subtle espresso and tobacco notes.
Palate:
Those deep, earthy tones from the nose continue into the palate where they’re joined by fruity notes of blackcurrant and freeze-dried raspberry. Cocoa powder and 15+ manuka honey, followed by slightly pithy orange peel.
Finish:
Cocoa, zesty orange and California raisin find some tannic notes and chalky nuttiness on the long finish.
Comments:
The port disgorged from the cask that finished this expression is exceptionally rare, and the whisky certainly does justice to it. It flaunts its age with dignity and restraint while maintaining vibrancy — a great demonstration of the “flavor enhancement” these port casks were said to offer.

Beth Whymark

Following six years in regional journalism, Beth entered the world of spirits in 2020 after joining Paragraph Publishing, the company behind Whisky Magazine and the World Whiskies Awards. She was editor of Whisky Magazine from September 2022 to July 2024 and served as one of the publication's tasters. Her current role is in content marketing, working day-to-day with a number of Scotch whisky brands, and she is still reading and writing about and tasting whiskeys from around the world in her spare time.

All Posts
Search
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews