Once again, my review of Dràm Mòr’s outturn is wonderfully well-timed. All whiskies below are part of this bottler’s Summer 2024 Release. It’s not exactly summer, now is it? Also, Dràm Mòr just launched their 5th Anniversary Releases. This is what we Dutchies would call “mustard after the meal.”
What redeems me, I suppose, is that the whiskies reviewed below are still available. So at least I’m providing some sort of service still, and you can purchase either the Invergordon, Auchroisk, Dalmunach or Glen Moray after reading my reviews, should you feel inclined to do so.
For those keeping count, that’s one grain whisky, two single malts from distilleries that mainly produce for blends, and one single malt from a slightly better-known distillery. Boldly though, whereas the former three all matured in (refill) American oak ex-bourbon casks, the Glen Moray was finished in a Hungarian Tokaji wine cask.
Now, wine casks generally split opinions, but Tokaji casks especially have a reputation, certainly in part because of a not so well received Longrow that was finished in Tokaji casks.
Invergordon 1997 27 Years (52.2%, Dràm Mòr, C#300709)
Nose: A good ester-y hint of bananas, as well as ethyl acetate, hints of wood glue and creamy butterscotch. There’s something slightly industrial to it as well, although I find it hard to put into words.
Taste: Creamy mouthfeel initially yet a slightly harsh arrival, even after 27 years of maturation (albeit a refill barrel). Hints of cloves, stewed apples and citrus peel as well. Also some burnt toast and something slightly feinty.
Finish: Short to medium length. Sliver of triple sec and a hint of oak.
Auchroisk 2008 15 Years (54.1%, Dràm Mòr, C#816738)
Nose: Elegantly fruity. Stewed apples initially, followed by a tinge of peach, some cinnamon sprinkles and sandalwood. There’s also a hint of burlap as well as coconut shavings, but are generally outshined by vanilla notes, such as Werther’s Original, meringues and marshmallows.
Taste: Medium syrupy mouthfeel with a gentle peppery heat on the arrival. A hint of cloves and nutmeg as well, but then also a sliver of pineapple, stewed pears and sultanas. The vanilla influence is not insignificant.
Finish: Medium length. Slightly dry. A sliver of cracked black peppercorns and gentle orchard fruits.
Dalmunach 2016 7 Years (58.4%, Dràm Mòr, C#670)
Nose: Hints of cigar boxes, resin and parma violets, but also a hint of bread crusts and hops. Then we’re onto the sweeter vanilla notes, such as fudge, caramel and sponge cake, but then also pear drops. Not unique, but certainly enticing.
Taste: Bitter hops, nutmeg, cloves. The sweetness and bourbon cask fruitiness takes a backseat. This is more about the oak. Also hints of roasted peanut skins, while water brings out a slight note of mint, straw and pineapple-flavoured gummy bears.
Finish: Medium length. The vanilla notes linger, as does a gentle note of orchard fruits.
Glen Moray 2010 13 Years (56%, Dràm Mòr, C#800597)
Nose: Hints of fresh red fruits alongside slivers of leather, polished oak and sandalwood. There’s a tinge of burlap as well, accompanied by sultanas. That is followed by a hint of muesli, some warm apple compote and even pancake batter. Not a bad start.
Taste: Not too vinous, but there is that undeniable sort of stickiness that ex-wine casks tend to impart. Notes of grape skin, black pepper and rhubarb, then some pronounced flavours of raspberry, lychees and roasted peanuts, as well as oranges and honey.
Finish: Medium to long. Generously fresh, almost surprisingly so. Hints of freshly cut apple parts, lemons and burnt toast. It’s the jammy red fruits that linger for a long time.
Samples provided by Dràm Mòr
