The Dalmore, 1974 Vintage, 42%

Beautiful complex fruit on the nose. Tannic grip on the palate — especially on the finish. The tell-tale orange marmalade combines notes of orchard fruit, caramel apple, fried pineapple, banana nut bread, unsweetened chocolate, grape skin, and plain toast, peppered with cinnamon and ground espresso bean. Distinctive and evolving on the palate — and humming along quite nicely — until the oak turns a bit austere and aggressive on the finish. For this reason, it’s my least favorite of the range.