WHISKY REVIEWS, NEWS, HISTORY & FOLKLORE
Dràm Mòr
Dràm Mòr is an independent bottler of Scotch whiskies and other spirits. Husband and wife team, Kenny and Viktorija Macdonald run the business from Dumbarton, west of Glasgow. Since its launch in 2020, Dràm Mòr has earned its place in the crowded market of independently bottled Scotch by releasing batch after batch of high-quality whiskies.
A Scot on Scotch was lucky enough to receive samples of Dràm Mòr’s latest bottlings and I’ve published a series of reviews over the last few days. I’ve already checked out drams from Aberfeldy, Tomintoul and Tamdhu. This time around, my attention shifts to Speyside and Benrinnes Distillery.
*Full disclosure: the whisky featured in this review was sent to me free of charge. As always, I will strive to give an honest opinion on the quality of the dram and the value for money it represents.
Dràm Mòr Benrinnes Review
The current Benrines distillery is the second to take the name of the largest mountain in Speyside. The first was destroyed in 1829 when the Great Moray Flood wiped it from existence. A new plant was built in 1835 and remains in operation today under the ownership of distilling giant, Diageo.
Most of the whisky produced at Benrinnes is earmarked for Diageo’s blends but independently bottled single casks are a common occurrence. The distillery produces a whisky of character, with worm tub condensers encouraging a weight and meatiness in the spirit that often works well with ex-sherry casks. Here, Dràm Mòr has bottled a malt finished in a refill Palo Cortado sherry cask. The whisky is 10 years old and bottled at 54.3%.
Tasting notes: On the nose: Spice racks – nutmeg, clove, cayenne pepper. Red berries. Raisins. Toffee, and, in the background, dark chocolate. Treacle. A wee touch of chargrilled meats. Leather. Palate: Lovely texture! Dark chocolate and damp dunnage, sherry-soaked oak. Tobacco. Currants. Sultanas. Chilli flakes and nutmeg. Liquorice.
Thoughts: A wonderfully weighty dram with a slightly meaty, aromatic spice character. The oily mouthfeel gives it a luxurious feel that works so well with the richness of the sherry element. At some points the Palo Cortado comes across more like oloroso but some interesting wee quirks keep you on your toes. It’s an excellent dram and just the kind of thing I want from independent bottlers.
Price: £73. A top quality dram that easily lives up to its price tag.
For more about Dràm Mòr visit here
Subscribe to Whisky Reviews
Whisky Reviews is free to access and always will be but if you would like to support the website, you can make a donation below.
Make a monthly donation
Make a one-time donation
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthly
Leave a Reply