Dalmore 12 vs 15 vs 18

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:42 am

Explore the variances among Dalmore 12, 15, and 18 in this comprehensive analysis and determine which Single Malt suits your preferences best!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Dalmore 12 vs 15 vs 18: Comparison

Comparing Dalmore 12, Dalmore 15, and Dalmore 18 reveals a progression in maturity and complexity.

Dalmore 12 charms with its aromatic richness but disappoints in taste and body, making it a choice for those who prioritize aroma over palate depth.

Dalmore 15 steps up slightly with a smoother, sherry-inflected profile, yet remains limited by its thin body and short finish. It’s suitable for fans of sweet, sherry-forward malts seeking simplicity over complexity.

Dalmore 18 distinguishes itself with a more balanced sherry influence and a satisfying long finish, despite a lighter body. It appeals to those desiring a more refined and enduring taste experience.

Verdict: Ultimately, your choice should align with your taste preference and what you seek in a whisky experience, states Scotch expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Dalmore 12: Alluring Nose, Light Palate

• Nose: Dark fruit, citrus, chocolate, cinnamon, plum.
• Palate: Apricot, fig, grape, pecan.
• Finish: Short, dark fruit, baking spice, bitter.
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• Similar to: Macallan Sherry Oak 12

The Dalmore 12 int entices with a rich nose of dark fruit, orange, chocolate, and hints of spice. However, the taste falls short, offering a thin and sweet profile with a brief, slightly bitter finish. Adding water doesn’t improve it.

Award Winner, Mixed Reviews

Despite awards, some find the taste doesn’t match the hype. The promised “Christmas cake” notes may be absent.

Maturation Process

• Aged 9 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
• Split:
  • Half remains in ex-bourbon barrels.
  • Half transferred to seasoned sherry casks for 3 more years.

This unique aging may create the alluring aroma, but doesn’t guarantee complexity.

Who Should Try Dalmore 12?

If you prefer a richer whisky, this might not be ideal. But, if the aroma appeals and you enjoy sweeter drams, it’s worth a try.

For a fuller-bodied experience? Explore Speyside single malts or sherry cask-finished whiskies.

Dalmore 15: Smooth Sherry Delight

• Nose: Dried fruit, hazelnut, oak
• Palate: Raisins, baking spice, oak
• Finish: Short, oak spice, black pepper, dried fruit
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• Similar to: Macallan 15 Double Cask

The Dalmore 15 offers a subtle nose of dried fruit, hazelnut, and oak. While smooth and sherry-forward on the palate, it’s thin-bodied. Raisin, cinnamon, and nutmeg notes emerge, but a slightly bitter wood spice lingers in the short finish.

Sweet & Smooth, But Not Complex

Generally a crowd-pleaser, Dalmore 15 leans sweet with sherry influence. However, it becomes oaky and peppery later, losing some sweetness. While enjoyable, a thin mouthfeel, short finish, and lower alcohol content prevent it from reaching top ranks.

Unique Sherry Aging

• Aged 12 years in ex-bourbon casks.
• Finished 3 years in a combination of Amoroso, Apostoles, and Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks.

This unique sherry cask finishing creates a smooth character, but complexity suffers.

Consider This Whisky If:

You enjoy sweeter, sherry-influenced single malts.

Look Elsewhere If:

You prioritize a richer mouthfeel, a lingering finish, or a higher alcohol content.

Dalmore 18: Balanced Sherry Influence

• Nose: Cough syrup, vanilla, brown sugar, baking spice
• Palate: Oak, orange, raisins, baking spice
• Finish: Long, oak spice, pepper, sherry
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Macallan 18 Sherry Oak

The Dalmore 18 opens with a nose of medicinal hints, vanilla, brown sugar, and baking spices. While inviting, the taste is lighter-bodied with oak, orange, raisin, and baking spice flavors.

The saving grace is the finish: long, warm, peppery, and rich with sherry. Overall, Dalmore 18 is a step up from the sweeter 12 and 15 year Dalmores, offering a more balanced profile. However, a lighter body keeps it from reaching the top shelf.

Pros:

• Balanced flavor profile with sherry influence
• Long, warming finish
• Smooth and pleasant

Cons:

• Light-bodied
• Not as complex as some premium whiskies

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Dalmore 12	$70
Dalmore 15	$135
Dalmore 18	$280