Dalmore Quintessence Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

Released to celebrate Master Distiller Richard Paterson's 50th year working in the whisky industry, Dalmore has curated a unique selection of finishes for this whisky. Reportedly the first distillery to combine five different red wine casks, after maturation in American ex-Bourbon casks, this release uses barrels that contained Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel, all sourced from California. Designed to be a multilayered experience, expect a modern take on a classic with plenty of interest to keep you sipping.

Other reviews....
You couldn’t make this up, this NAS baby has been finished in five different Californian red wine casks. Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Seriously, Zin. Colour: amber. Nose: first achievement, it’s not too winey. Second achievement, it’s pretty Dalmore-y, with some chocolate and some oranges. And then, it’s malty, with whiffs of Mars bar and a wee earthy/ferny side that’s rather pleasant. Perhaps does it rather go towards Cognac? Pleasant. Mouth: no, this is very unusual. Seriously, it does taste like some kind of American craft whisky, flash-aged in very small barrels. And it’s pretty good, with some pumpernickel, gourd pips, sloe, cloves, ginger… It’s just not very Dalmore anymore. But funny it is. Finish: medium, on bitter chocolate, cigars, black tea, and green pepper and juniper. Some French oak involved, perhaps? Comments: Dalmore’s first craft whisky? Really, it almost made me laugh, and this, I like. And it’s rather very good IMHO.
83 Points
Serge Valentin - Whisky Fun

Quintessence is the first single malt to have undergone secondary maturation in five different types of California red wine casks: zinfandel, pinot noir, syrah, merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet sherry, ripe cherries, marzipan, and white pepper on the nose. Rich and mouth-coating; strong flavor of thick-cut orange marmalade, oloroso sherry, malt, and milk chocolate. The finish features gentle warming spice and lingering Jaffa orange. Plain chocolate and orange notes seem as though they are never going to end!
92 Points
Gavin Smith - The Whisky Advocate