Dalmore Cigar Reserve Single Malt Scotch

ABC - $179.99 

TW - $163.99

Class VI - It’s hilarious that you think the Class VI would sell this

ABV - 48.6%

12 Jul 25

From the Dalmore website:  “This exquisite whisky was created as the perfect Single Malt to enjoy with the world's finest cigars. Matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels, and finessed in Cabernet Sauvignon red wine barriques and González Byass Sherry casks which have previously contained 30 year old Matusalem Oloroso sherry. The spirit is carefully brought together by our whisky makers, perfectly combining the unique character and flavour of each element.”

And, of course, no scotch article would be complete without tasting notes.  Again from Dalmore:  

The Aroma - Cinnamon, vanilla, and red fruits

The Palate - Tropical fruits, banana toffee, and vanilla ice cream

The  Finish - Orange zest, dark chocolate, and crushed spices

I’m blessed to own a home with a very nice deck off the back door.  Throughout the years I’ve come to enjoy a nice cigar on a pleasant summer evening.  A cigar, a fine scotch, and a newspaper or good book.  I also enjoy listening to an interesting podcast while puffing and sipping.  Or just look at the lightning bugs and stars and think about how fortunate you are to enjoy such a pleasant evening. 

When it comes to pairing a whisk(e)y with a cigar, I prefer a nice, strong scotch.  Bourbon just can’t stand up to the flavors of the cigar, and except for Connemara Irish Whiskey, Irish whiskey just doesn’t cut it either.  While a heavily peated Islay whisky is great, an Islay whisky isn’t required.  There are American single malt whiskies, but they tend to go for the lighter variety too (when I find one that goes well with a cigar, I’ll let you know).  I stay away from the light fruity scotches.  Dalmore is an exceptional whisky that is ready for any cigar.  And unless you’re a cigar connoisseur, I recommend consulting with your local cigar shop.  

Like local politicians, local news, and local arts, a local tobacco shop is a blessing and should be supported.  Burke Cigar Lounge is my preferred cigar shop and it’s conveniently located right next to a VA ABC.  Many times I’ve left the liquor store and walked into their shop.  They’ve always matched each whisky perfectly. Everyone there is really friendly.

Stressed?  Upset?  Having a rough go of it?  A healthy pour of Dalmore Cigar Single Malt Scotch and a fine cigar will help you sort some things out.  ¡Salud!

Cigar Recommendation

I’m very much a beginner when it comes to cigars.  I keep a whiskey, whisky, and cigar notebook.  The Burke Cigar Lounge recommended that I glue the cigar wrappers in the book to keep track of the ones I liked and didn’t like.  I’ve been doing that for a while now and it’s served me well.  I recommend it.  With that, looking through my notes, I see that I liked a Nicaraguan, H. Upmann ‘AJ Fernandez’.  I recall smoking that on an especially pleasant evening.