The Dalmore Just Released an 18-Year-Old Cigar Malt Whisky

Cigar blends or cigar malts are whiskeys that are created specifically to be paired with cigars—not to taste like cigars, as they are sometimes misinterpreted. That’s usually done by blending together different styles of whiskey or using various cask finishes, depending on the style and country of origin. In the case of the Dalmore, the new Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years was aged across a total of five different cask types, yielding a whisky that can be enjoyed on its own as well as sipped with a fine cigar.

The Dalmore is a Highland distillery known for aging its whisky in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, often finishing the liquid in rare sherry, port, and other fortified wine barrels. As we reported last spring, the distillery recently reopened to the public by offering bespoke, high-end, private tours that include custom tastings. This new 18-year-old expression is the latest addition to the Dalmore’s portfolio, following the recent launch of the Dalmore 17, which was the first new whisky to join the Principal Collection since 2022. This new whisky is, obviously, one year older, and it was finished in a different array of casks.

The core range already includes the Cigar Malt Reserve, a non-age statement whisky matured in a combination of American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, Cabernet Sauvignon barriques, and Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks. The new 18-year-old expression was initially matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, and then finished in four different cask types: marsala for “ginger warmth and spice;” Cabernet Sauvignon barriques for “structure and refined tannins;” Cabernet Franc barriques for “aromatic nuance and subtle complexity;” and Matusalem sherry casks for dried fruit and nut notes. The whisky was bottled with natural color and no chill filtration at 46 percent ABV.

“[This is] a rich and robust Dalmore which beautifully partners with the cigar smoking occasion,” said master whisky maker Dr. Kirstie McCallum in a statement. “[It brings] together the Dalmore’s signature Matusalem influence, with rich and decadent Sicilian marsala, Cabernet Sauvignon, and elegant Cabernet Franc.” We did not get to try a sample, but the official tasting notes describe flavors like forest berries, sticky dates, orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and spice on the palate, followed by dark fruit, nutmeg, and cinnamon on the finish.

Cigar Malt Signature Reserve Aged 18 Years will be available here in the U.S. starting November 1 (SRP $400), and you can currently find the 17-year-old (SRP $250) at specialty liquor stores now.