The name is a little cheeky. You don’t need a cigar in hand to enjoy The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve—but you do need time.
This is one of those whiskies that feels built for the end of the night: lights a bit lower, conversation a bit slower, and a glass that keeps changing as it warms. Dalmore has always leaned into a polished, luxurious style, and Cigar Malt Reserve is a clear example of that approach—bold flavours, deep sweetness, and a finish that refuses to hurry.
Why it exists (and what “cigar malt” actually means)
A “cigar malt” is typically a whisky designed to stand up to the intensity of a cigar—meaning it needs enough body, spice, and richness to hold its own. That usually leads to:
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fuller texture
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darker fruit notes
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warming spice
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a long, lingering finish
Dalmore’s version is exactly that, but in the house’s signature style: smooth, rounded, and elegantly sweet rather than harsh or overly smoky.
The Dalmore style in a single pour
Dalmore whiskies are known for a certain “dark-luxe” profile—think chocolate, orange, warming spice, and polished oak. Cigar Malt Reserve leans into those flavours in a way that feels deliberate and confident, like it was created for people who enjoy depth more than freshness.
If you already love Dalmore 12 or Dalmore 15, this will feel like stepping into a deeper room of the same house: familiar, but richer.
What it tastes like (in real-world terms)
This isn’t a whisky you describe with one word. It moves.
On the nose, it tends to show that classic Dalmore sweetness—orange peel, dark fruit, a hint of vanilla—followed by a gentle wave of spice.
On the palate, you’ll usually find the reason it’s called “Cigar Malt”:
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dark chocolate / cocoa
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dried fruit (raisins, dates, sometimes fig)
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cinnamon and nutmeg warmth
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a toffee-like sweetness
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oak structure that holds everything together
The finish is long and warming, the kind that makes you pause before taking another sip.
When to drink it (and when not to)
This is not an “aperitif whisky.” It’s not the bottle you pour while cooking dinner.
It shines when:
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dessert is done
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you want a slow pour, not a quick dram
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you’re pairing it with something rich (or you simply want that feeling without the food)
It’s also a strong option for gifting because it reads as premium instantly—both in taste and in presentation.
Pairing ideas beyond cigars
Even if you never touch a cigar, this whisky pairs beautifully with flavours that echo its richness:
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dark chocolate (70%+)
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espresso or strong coffee
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pecan pie / caramel desserts
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aged hard cheeses
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roasted nuts
If you want the simplest pairing: good dark chocolate and no distractions.
A bottle that feels like a reward
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is one of those whiskies people buy as a personal “well done.” A promotion, a milestone, a thank-you to yourself. It has that celebratory weight without needing a special occasion.
And if you are buying for someone else, it’s the kind of gift that communicates taste and intention—without having to explain it.
Available at World Wine & Whisky
You can find The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve at World Wine & Whisky
