Dalmore Pioneer Edition SG50

Dalmore launched this Pioneer Edition SG50 in 2015 as an hommage to the pioneers who fought for the independence of Singapore – they succeeded in 1965. This means that Singapore was independent for 50 years in 2015. That explains why there were also 2.015 bottles produced. It is a vatting of Madeira, Moscatel and port casks.

Now that’s an interesting nose! I get sniffing tobacco, sun dried tomatoes, blood oranges, old leather and… parchment! That’s a first. A little off-note like vase water, but not disturbing. There is more than enough to counter this in the guise of honey, dried apricots, freshly polished hardwood floor and a drop of balsamic vinegar. Quite umami after a few moments. This is quite interesting in deed.

Nicely oily on the palate. Immediately sweet, umami and piquant. Sweet as in caramel, candied oranges, chewing tobacco, apple cake and chocolate. Umami as in a creamy tomato soup from a tin (no kidding), balsamic vinegar and bacon including rind and some woodspices. Piquant as in cloves, dill and black pepper. Impressive and complex, but does become a bit vinous towards the end.

The finish is long, spicy warm and satisfying. It dies a bittersweet death with some tannins at the very end.

If you can still find it, it will set you back some 180 EUR. No cheap, but I find it a very good and interesting Dalmore.

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