Several months back I was a at a scotch tasting at The Wine and Cheese Place that was hosted by Ed Kohl of Signatory.
As I have said too many times in the past, I really enjoy what Signatory puts out. When Ed had the tasting several months back I wrote about the Ledaig that I bought. That night it was a toss up between the Ledaig and the Dalmore 18 year old, and I chose the Ledaig. Not a bad chose, as I have posted about it a couple time. However, when I went back to buy a bottle of the Dalmore, they were out. I remember when an article was written about St. Louisian William Meyers (hope I spelled the name right), and he mentioned when he found something he liked, he bought a case of it. Now Bill is a lawyer, apparently makes good money and can afford that, but on my government check, it’s not an option. So in other words, I missed out.
I learned, when I am at a tasting of Signatory and I have a toss up between one or more bottles, buy them all. However, I was at another liquor store over the weekend and I found a bottle of Signatory 18 year old Dalmore, aged in a sherry butt. It was distilled on 9/11/1990 and bottled on 02/ 01/2009. It is of course not chill filtered and no coloring added. I was torn, as the same store had a bottle of Signatory Benrinnes 15 year old. Again, a toss up.
Wouldn’t you know it…I didn’t follow my own advice as on my government check I only had enough for one. So I bought the Dalmore. I have another bottle of Signatory Benrinnes I bought from Binny’s in Chicago, which I believe I also posted about. Glad I bought the Dalmore!!
I know, I know, Mark we get it, you like anything Signatory puts out. But I like this stuff. Crisp, clean nose. Light and balanced palate; fruity and spicy, and a great finish. Even though this is matured in a sherry butt, it isn’t overpowering, and doesn’t come close to the sherry you will taste in Macallen, GlenDronich, or even Glenfarclas. It is lighter than that, and that is what I really like about it. This would be a great after dinner drink on a warm night; fruity enough for the sweetness you crave, but not too heavy that it weighs you down. If you can find it, buy it, you will not be disappointed.