Dalmore 1992 Constellation Cask 18

I recently spent an evening with Whyte & Mackay Master Blender Mr Richard Paterson and I have to say he's a hell of a character. You can't help but like him. He's a great story teller and you're forced to hang on to his every word. Such is the mans' charms.

Of course a lot of what he says is carefully manufactured marketing sell-points but one tends to look past that and enjoy the show. However, his whiskies should not be judged by the same standards. Especially if you're shelling out in excess of GBP2000 for a bottle.

Which is what this 1992 Vintage from The Constellation series costs. But I will judge this spirit independent of it's price tag.

Matured for 10 years in 1991 First Fill Kentucky Bourbon QA casks and then 9 years in a 2002 European Oak, Port Pipe you can expect the nose to be super sweet. There is marmalade, chocolate, marzipan, squishy plums, candied orange with grated ginger and a sprinkle of crushed almonds. Very intense.

The palate explodes with dark chocolate, grapes, cloves and a smear of that all too familiar orange marmalade. The high ABV helps in making the flavors even more intense.

The finish is long with woody spices, nutmeg and, yes, that orange marmalade once again.

Now let me tell you that this is a very good whisky. It comes at you strongly and refuses to let up.

But the burning question is whether it's worth the price tag.

To display on your shelf to impress your friends? Certainly.

To drink? Certainly not.

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