2007 Cromarty's Firth (Dalmore) 13 Year Old "Hepburn's Choice" K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

This whisky is literally the first Dalmore we've ever bottled for the store. That's not because we haven't seen other casks of Dalmore in our years of searching Scotland, it's because normally when we see one -even a young hogshead on like this-they're typically outrageously expensive. I haven't been able to figure out if that's the power of the brand itself or simply the rarity and reputation of the whisky. Maybe it's a chicken and the egg issue. Needless to say when we can sell a cask strength single barrel for less than the distillery's 12 year at 80 proof, we're all ears. But this whisky isn't just about the details on paper, it's about experiencing a really high quality malt, in its natural form, for maybe the first time. Let's have a taste. Immediately the purity and power are clear. Pure malted barley, just freshly toasted. The rawness of yeasty dough, hints of bitter almonds and grapefruit peel. On the palate, darker roasted barley, some herbal/vegetal flavors, relatively dry with almost bitter chocolate striking the mid palate. Like all these youngish hogsheads -we are obligated to taste this with a bit of good quality water. Just a few drops brings out more bitter citrus, hints of honey and fresh leaves. The palate becomes significantly spicier at first but with a few more drops it mellows. Still as it fades a long, big peppery spice takes hold. Despite the light color the flavors of DARK. Caramelized barley sugars, bitter chocolate, earthy wood, roasted spices. Not for the faint of heart by any means, but if you like a big rich and spicy malt driven whisky, you've might have found your poison. I actually like this right out of the bottle as much as with a bit of water, but it does hold its water well and continue to open and change with each drop you add. A really fun one to play with and a great value to say the least.