It may not be the oldest of all of The Dalmore whiskies, but it still is the "jewel in [their] rare and aged category" according to Adam Knox, The Dalmore’s resident whisky expert for Asia. He explains that the 45’s liquid was casked in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, ex-Bordeaux cabernet sauvignon wine casks, and tawny Port pipes.

The process brings a lot of complexity, many layers of flavour, and showcases the artistry of Dalmore’s whisky makers. "Not only are we using the finest casks available, but the transferring of liquid from cask to cask is a meticulous process done by hand. But it's really what you have to do to get to this level" Knox shares.

Read more: The PH's first The Dalmore flagship store opens in Uptown Bonifacio

In the case of The Dalmore 45, it has the perfect balance of port and cabernet sauvignon cask notes which really complement the whisky. The Dalmore 45's flavour profile on the palate evokes notes of succulent figs, toffee, apple, and little hints of ripe banana. The long finish is a gorgeous English marmalade with little bits of Manuka honey, and whispers of cranberries. Knox tells us that this all came from a nurturing process over the last 45 years thanks to master blender Richard Paterson and The Dalmore team.

"Richard Paterson is an absolute artist and perhaps the greatest master distiller of his generation. He treats these whiskies as babies, nurtures them throughout their lifespan," says Knox. This inimitable master blender has been working in the aforementioned distillery for 54 years now. He earned the nickname "The Nose" for his excellent and incomparable olfactory skill.

The unique taste of The Dalmore’s whiskies complement a wide variety of dishes. Full-bodied whiskies tend to go well with richer meals which help to unravel its nuanced flavour profile. The Dalmore 45 pairs beautifully with marbled steak, or gamier meats (particularly venison).

Read also: Feast for the Senses: Cognac and Cigar Pairing

Manlapaz says that in the first half of 2020, there were plenty of restrictions due to the pandemic that halted the production in their home-base of Scotland, but they are now back on track. Amidst the challenges, Manlapaz is confident that the company would be able to recover lost opportunities through its strong demand in the domestic markets. "The Dalmore demand is still pretty much robust amidst the current pandemic crisis we're in. We are looking at doubling our business in China this year” Manlapaz shares.

For us in the Philippines, we may not all be able to get our hands on the 45, but we can definitely visit The Dalmore Flagship Store where not only can you try a variety of top of the line whiskeys, but also some unique whisky and cigar pairings too!

For more details about The Dalmore 45, visit The Dalmore Flagship Store at G/F Uptown Parade Bridgelink, Uptown Bonifacio, The Fort, Taguig City, +632 7792 9710.