The second edition in The Dalmore Cask Curation Series celebrates Graham’s Port, and includes 27, 30, and 43 Year Old single malt whiskies
Dalmore has released the second edition in the Cask Curation Series: Port Edition. This latest release follows the success of their Sherry cask edition from 2023. The rare Port casks were sourced directly from the Symington Family Estates in the Douro Valley, known for producing Graham’s Port.
The Dalmore Cask Curation Series Port Edition consists of three cask strength whiskies matured in Graham’s Single Harvest Tawny Port casks, which add rich fruit and dark chocolate notes. The youngest expression, a 27-year-old single malt, was finished in a 1997 cask and is bottled at 49.3% ABV. The 30-year-old expression was finished in a 1994 cask and is bottled at 43.9% ABV. The oldest, a 43-year-old, was finished in a 1952 cask and is bottled at 41.8% ABV. All three are non-chill filtered with no added color.
Cask Curation Aged 27 Years Tawny Port Cask Finish
Bottled at 49.3% ABV, the 27 Year Old Vintage Port Finished is matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in 1997 Single Harvest Tawny Port Cask. “Warm and luscious, this whisky encapsulates the charm of a well-balanced port – refined yet robust” says Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker.
On the nose, the whisky offers aromas of Manuka honey, bergamot, marzipan, and roasted Colombian coffee, alongside notes of damsons balanced with allspice and cassia bark. The palate features ripe figs, blackcurrant, and warm honey spice, which is complemented with dark cacao, roasted chestnuts, toffee, and liquorice. The finish finds sugared almonds, citrus peel, crystallized ginger, and soft spice.
Cask Curation Aged 30 Years Tawny Port Cask Finish
Bottled at 43.9% ABV, the 30 Year Old Tawny Port Finish Matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a very rare 1994 Single Harvest Tawny Port Cask. “This felt like quite the discovery in the Dunnage Warehouse! Blood orange notes, complemented with dark fruit, and soft spices. Delightful,” comments Glass
The nose delivers waves of warm honey, blood orange, Medjool dates, poached pears, and cinnamon, along with layers of crème brulee, blackcurrant, and exotic spices. The palate finds blood orange, soft plums, dates, red liquorice, dark chocolate brioche, Tahitian vanilla, and patisserie spices. The finish features Madagascan vanilla, black cherries, candied orange peel, dark roasted coffee, and aged maple syrup.
Cask Curation Aged 43 Years Tawny Port Cask Finish
Bottled at 41.8% ABV, the 43 YO Tawny Port Finish is matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a very rare 1952 Single Harvest Tawny Port Cask. “This whisky received a delicate enhancement in the rarest of Port Casks, acquiring antique notes and an abundance of rich dark fruits,” notes Glass. “Absolutely magical.”
The nose delivers forest fruits, plums, sugared almonds, cacao, and star anise, which is rounded by aromas of natural vanilla, soft caramel, dried apricots, and baking spices. The palate features plum compote, passion fruit, marzipan, and red and black liquorice flavors, which are complemented with Alphonso mangoes, and Morello cherries notes. The finish finds iced ginger cake, leather, sweet tobacco, poached pears, and soft wood spices.
The Dalmore Cask Curation Series Port Edition comes in a green leather-finished travel case hand-crafted in Florence, Italy. Each age-statement whisky is housed in a bottle adorned with a matching collar. The choice of green is synonymous with the country and the winemakers, which the Port Edition celebrates.
“Graham’s really is special, as a peaceful place to meet the casks and listen to them and their story,” notes Margaret Nicol, The Dalmore’s Blend Controller. “Plus, it is a unique place to enjoy The Dalmore, overlooking the river and the city. The collection is a celebration not only of partnership but of the friendship between us at The Dalmore and the Symington family”.
The Dalmore Cask Curation Series Port Edition is limited to 150 sets and is available at select retailers for $46,600. Following editions of the series will be announced in 2025 and 2026. For more information, visit the brand’s official website.
Earlier this month, The Dalmore collaborated with design museum V&A Dundee to highlight the work of budding Scottish artists with the launch of the Portfolio Series.
