Unusual Scotch - When Its Finished

[Ethan Bentley]

I've just tried the Dalmore Cigar Malt and it got me thinking about other single malt whisky that I've had that are "a bit different". This whisky is certainly something special, I've not tasted anything like it.

I've also had:
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Cuban Rum Finish
Arran - Champagne Finish
Arran - Chianti Finish
Glenmorangie - Madeira finish (a favourite of mine)

Anyone else?

 

[jamespowers]

I've just tried the Dalmore Cigar Malt and it got me thinking about other single malt whisky that I've had that are "a bit different". This whisky is certainly something special, I've not tasted anything like it.

I've also had:
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Cuban Rum Finish
Arran - Champagne Finish
Arran - Chianti Finish
Glenmorangie - Madeira finish (a favourite of mine)

Anyone else?

Where did you find Cigar Malt? I am still looking around here. Dalmore has that Oloroso Sherry cask finish that makes it have a great taste and finish.
I have emails in to the staff there to see if they can find a source around here for me.

 

[Ethan Bentley]

I picked up a few miniatures here in England, after trying a lot of specialist in the UK, which I tend to frequent and only one still stocked it. I placed the link of this on the Cigar Malt thread.

If I ever find out any more I will certainly let you know.

Sherry casks are indeed fine and are a favourite of Mrs. Bentley. I do believe that they are becoming increasing expensive for Scotch whisky producers to purchase due to a lack of supply. People just aren't drinking much Sherry any more.

 

[jamespowers]

I finally got a response about Dalmore's Cigar malt. It doesn't look good for the line but this is the response I got:
"We are currently very busy finalizing our exciting plans for The Dalmore
brand in the United States, and just recently signed a new import
agreement. We know that customers and consumers alike are looking
forward to its arrival. Beautifully enhanced packaging and a full range
of rare and prestigious expressions will make it the whisky brand to
watch in the US as we roll out the brand within the next few weeks.

As is common with many scotch producers, expressions often change every
few years. Due to some consumer issues concerning The Dalmore Cigar
Malt, we have renamed this expression to Gran Reserva and changed its
liquid profile as well to include 60% Oloroso Sherry wood and 40%
American bourbon casks. If you enjoyed Cigar Malt, the Gran Reserva
won't disappoint!

I will keep your information and contact you at a later date when I can
be more specific as it may take some time for product availability in
the state of California.

Thank you for your patience and interest in The Dalmore."

Ok, so now I guess we get the Gran Reserva instead. [huh]

 

[Kermez]

I guess I'll try it - just doesn't have the same ring to it as "CIGAR Malt"...

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Looks like that certainly is the case: http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-7219.aspx

I did speak to a chap whilst on my hunt in London who speculated on the reasons why the Cigar Malt failed which was quite interesting.

I'll have to see about trying this new one.

I scrolled down once I had posted and saw this:

Posted on 30 Dec 2008 :
"Tasty. I wonder why they replaced the Cigar Malt with this. Seems very similar to me. "

Promising?

 

[Kermez]

Posted on 30 Dec 2008 :
"Tasty. I wonder why they replaced the Cigar Malt with this. Seems very similar to me. "

Promising?

Certainly "Encouraging"...

 

[CigarMan]

I wouldn't doubt if it's the same thing. Many manufacturers don't want to relate alcohol and tobacco. This is quite possibly due to the fact that those that fight against the two would have a double dose of ammunition against them. A few cigar brands that used names of liquor have dropped the name and just rebranded their cigars.

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Cigar Malt: 43%ABV
Whisky Magazine Tasting Notes
Nose: Gentle smokiness like chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Emphatic ‘box of chocolates’ aroma: Orange cream pralines in black chocolate.
Palate: Texture and flavour of chocolate mousse cake. Powdered cocoa. Then juicy maltiness and understated vanilla-pod dryness.
Finish: Biscotti: chocolate and plain. A hint of toast. Charcoal, oak.
Overall: Beautifully constructed, very distinctive.

VS.

Gran Reserva 40%ABV:
Distiller's Tasting Notes
Dried fruits with soft sherry tones. Strong malt and christmas cake. Roasted coffee and chocolate. Rupe oranges and rich citrus of lemon peel.
The whiskies selected for this rich and robust whisky are selected as the most intense expressions of our craft and our master distiller selects the deepest, richest and most aromatic of whiskies. After careful selection, the whisky is returned to wood for around six months to further slumber, marry and harmonise.

Typically drawing samples from casks ranging in age from 10 to 15 years of age we choose a selection where the sherry cask proportion is increased to around 60%, delivering an intense experience with a sweet, vanilla finish.

 

[Mr. Paladin]

Due to some consumer issues concerning The Dalmore CigarMalt, we have renamed this expression to Gran Reserva...

#@&% political correctness! Why are we allowing our freedom to enjoy what we will despite the ever-increasing eye of the busybody, in government and in private, to be eroded!?!?!

 

[jamespowers]

#@&% political correctness! Why are we allowing our freedom to enjoy what we will despite the ever-increasing eye of the busybody, in government and in private, to be eroded!?!?!

That was my first reaction upon reading the reply I got. I mean really! Now we have to go through all this tasting to find a decent Scotch that belongs with a good cigar. Then again that just might give me an excuse......

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Is "consumer related issues" a euphemism for, it didn't sell well?
This was the impression I got from one of the Whisky chaps in Soho. He seemed to think, in the UK anyway, that it was aimed at the market. If I recall correctly, he said it was aimed at Cigar smokers rather than whisky drinkers that like a cigar.

I hope that the political correctness wasn't the issue, it's a possibility certainly. That said, I've never met a serious whisky drinker that is strongly averse to smoking.

 

[jamespowers]

Is "consumer related issues" a euphemism for, it didn't sell well?
This was the impression I got from one of the Whisky chaps in Soho. He seemed to think, in the UK anyway, that it was aimed at the market. If I recall correctly, he said it was aimed at Cigar smokers rather than whisky drinkers that like a cigar.

I hope that the political correctness wasn't the issue, it's a possibility certainly. That said, I've never met a serious whisky drinker that is strongly averse to smoking.

It probably played a little different in the UK but here it was likely the ties to tobacco that got the name changed. Are you sure the name changed there as well? [huh]

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Yes certainly a name change plus the new 40% Bourbon barrel finish. The link I posted is a UK website.
Something similar was done recently with the re-branding the Glenmorangie Port Finish to Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban.

 

[jamespowers]

Yes certainly a name change plus the new 40% Bourbon barrel finish. The link I posted is a UK website.
Something similar was done recently with the re-branding the Glenmorangie Port Finish to Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban.

It has spread everywhere then.