1992 Dalmore “Black Pearl” 12 Year Old Malmsey Cask Finish 1 Litre

This one’s been named ‘Black Pearl’ because Madeira is called ‘the Pearl of the Atlantic’.

Colour: Amber.

Nose:The nose starts on some big, bold vanilla and caramel, apricot jam. Hints of ‘portiness’.

Rather punchy, very malty and caramelly at first nosing. Bold notes of burnt cake, a little winey, with something of a Cognac. Whiffs of smoke. Gets then very grassy and even farmy (hay) and meaty, and finally extremely coffeeish. Bold and rather complex, certainly quite better than the current versions, even if it’s a little austere.

Mouth: Extremely creamy, malty, sweet, bold and nervous – quite hot. Strong notes of cooked wine, fortified white wine, crystallised oranges, marmalade. Lots of cake, mocha, sugared coffee, Tia Maria, Cointreau… And also some dried herbs, thyme, parsley, rosemary.

Long, notes of rum, orange liqueurs and cooked caramel. Very good!