The Inaugural Spirit for 2024: 12 Year Dalmore Single Malt Scotch

The Inaugural Spirit for 2024: 12 Year Dalmore Single Malt Scotch

A lot can change in 12 years. 12 Years ago, President Obama was being sworn in as president, I was a freshman in high school, and there was, largely speaking, a general "normalcy" to a liberal social consensus. Since 2012, there was a slowly boiling discontentment with this established social consensus. Young men, in particular were growing up and realizing they had been largely short changed by the society emblemized by carefree, Obama-era liberalism. This consensus was eviscerated when Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016, and the culture war that his MAGA movement started and inspired is far too hard-fought and won to regale in this article. 

However, when Obama won in 2012, and catalyzed the seeds for the culture war that would later be waged, sherry casks in the Scottish Highlands were being filled with fresh whisky. While boys became men and while cultural battles were fought, won, and lost, this fine batch was maturing into one of the most perfect drinks on the planet. 

So, as President Trump reclaims his rightful place, and makes a more dignified, elegant, and great America, inspiring the Regalia Americana, it is only appropriate to pull the cork off of something that has waited just as long to be enjoyed. That is what makes Dalmore's 12 Year, Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch the 2024 Inaugural Spirit.

Naturally, a spirit this fine should only be sipped. Mixing or shooting would be an insult to the craftsmanship of such finery.

 

On the Nose:


The Dalmore 12 Year Old opens with a bouquet of rich, dark chocolate and ripe plums. There's a subtle hint of orange zest, which is a signature of Dalmore, thanks to the sherry cask maturation. Notes of cinnamon and a whisper of vanilla from the American white oak add complexity, while a faint nuttiness rounds out the nose.

 

On the Palate:


On the palate, this whisky is lush and silky. The sherry influence is evident with flavors of dried fruits - think raisins and dates. There's a delightful interplay between the sweetness of the sherry and the spiciness of the malt, introducing notes of nutmeg and perhaps a touch of clove. The orange peel from the nose carries through, giving it a citrusy lift that balances the sweetness. The malt's inherent character shines through with a touch of toasted oak and a hint of coffee.

 

The Finale:


The finish is medium to long, warm, and comforting. The sherry cask maturation leaves a lasting impression of dried fruit, with the spice subtly fading away, leaving you with a touch of chocolate and a slight, pleasant bitterness from the oak. 


Truly, Dalmore 12 Year is a well-crafted Scotch that showcases the art of sherry cask aging. It's not overly complex, but it doesn't need to be; it strikes a beautiful balance between sweetness and spice. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate the depth that sherry casks can bring to single malt Scotch. It's a testament to Dalmore's consistency and mastery over sherry cask maturation, making it a go-to for both whisky newcomers and connoisseurs looking for a reliable and flavorful dram. Have a sip to toast President Trump's victory!

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