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Just the sentence itself conjures forth the image of opulence and luxury: the Fine & Rare: “120 Years of The Dalmore.” one of New York’s most luxurious Whisky Flights. That’s right this is an exclusive offering that allows whisky aficionados to sample an incredible four pours of the super-rare vintages of the world-renowned Highland single-malt scotch whisky at $1,850, before tax and tip. For those not in the know: ‘whisky flights’ are similar to tastings. However, a flight allows the client to compare and contrast various whiskies as they taste them, this is typically done with three to five whiskies and an appropriate light accompaniment of snacks or light dessert.
Now many whisky bars, especially the high-end ones like Fine & Rare offer some sumptuous whisky tastings that are more… economical and accessible for the average whisky drinker but 120 Years of The Dalmore offers their guests a 25 year, a 35 year, a 40 year and the Constellation Collection 1991, overall a century’s worth of The Dalmore’s luxury scotch.
If you go to Fine & Rare and order this incredible experience you’ll be greeted by a server bearing a delicately engraved silver tray carrying four bespoke Baccarat flutes. All four bottles are presented to you individually and opened with a dramatic flourish before each pour is made. Water is available to add as you experience each dram. Make sure that you luxuriate in the experience, taking in the nose and subtle flavors of each sip of what equates to a mortgage payment on a respectable midwest home.
Owner Tommy Tardie told Men’s Journal,
“We want to deliver an experience. Our guests can become our ambassadors.”
Fancy Flights or a Flight of Fancy?
The tasting notes on each of the vintages courtesy of The Alcohol Professor are,
“First up is the 25 Year Old, which records show has been produced at the distillery since at least 1893. Like all Dalmores, it’s first aged in ex-bourbon barrels, after which it’s divided between Tawny port pipes and 30 Year Old Matusalem ex-sherry casks. After an undisclosed amount of time, the whiskies are married once more in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels before being bottled at 42% ABV. Chocolate dominates the nose and palate; the sherry’s influence comes through first, with raisin and almond notes taking the lead, but the sweet, rounder berry and fig notes of the port pipes make their presence felt as well. The finish is a long, lingering caress of fruit and gentle oaky spice.
The 35 Year Old (40% ABV) travels a long and winding road between ex-bourbon barrels, 30 Year Old Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks, and Colheita (single-vintage) port pipes. It’s richer than the 25, redolent of darker chocolate, baking spices, and candied orange peel. The tang of the sherry still resonates, but the deep berry and tropical fruit notes are the star of the show. Oak, along with hints of dried fruit, leather and tobacco, make for a gorgeous finish.
The 40 Year Old (42% ABV) has a complex maturation in ex-bourbon, Matusalem Oloroso sherry and, mainly, Colheita port pipes. The nose is slightly musty, like an old leather-bound book, but the palate has gorgeous rounded fruit notes courtesy of the port pipes, with a finish dominated by dried figs, dark chocolate, and a whisper of oak.
The Constellation 1991 (Cask 27) is a horse of a different color. Unless you’ve sampled something from the 21-bottle Constellation Collection, which was released in 2011 in minute quantities, you’ve never tried a Dalmore like this. Aged for 20 years and bottled at a cask strength of 56.6% ABV, this is the youngest and highest-proof of the quartet. Where the other three are refined and elegant, this is bigger and (slightly) more unbridled, while retaining the classic Dalmore flavor profile. A vibrant nose of citrus with hints of balsamic leads into spicy and sweet dark berries on the palate. This is the only Dalmore of the four for which water could reasonably be added — it tamps down the alcoholic heat a bit and brings in some bright orange notes. The finish is a bigger version of the Dalmore’s classic chocolate orange flavor, with a bit of pepper and ginger for good measure.”
No matter how you choose to enjoy the flight, it certainly seems to be a worthwhile experience. But if it’s a bit too rich for your blood (or your bank account) there are more reasonably priced options available. For example, there is a “45 Years of The Dalmore” option which is a fraction of the cost at only $125 per person and features 12, 15, and 18-year-old scotch with the added bonus of Vosges chocolate truffles. making for a more budgetarily realistic option for those seeking to experience whisky flights, a date night, or an anniversary perhaps, assuming your spouse or significant other shares your affinity for fine whisky.
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