Dalmore Regalis is part of the Fortuna Meritas Collection originally released in 2017 for travel retail, but now commonly available. Drawing its name from the Latin for ‘regal’ or ‘royal’, the bottling is a combination of American white and first fill amoroso sherry casks. Amoroso is a type of oloroso sherry that has been enriched (sweetened). It comes in a litre bottle at 40% ABV and is available from Master of Malt for £67.
Nose: Fruity and animated. Dried and sugar coated cranberries and raspberries are joined by peach cobbler and a smattering of currants and sultanas. More fruity than rich, the whisky is tempered by both a nip of balsamic vinegar and a fair amount of woodiness – vanilla, and ginger both providing pleasing nuances.
Taste: Quite reasonable mouthfeel for the 40% ABV and a fair amount of balance too. Dried fruits (cranberries and redberries) are joined by blackberries and a real jamminess, almost marmalade. Fresh coffee grounds and balsamic provide a bitterness that fits well with the sweeter fruits, berries and currants. Ginger spice gives the whole experience a lift and brings with it the earthiness of damp soil.
Finish: Medium with earthy spice and brown sugars.
Dalmore Regalis, whilst light and delicate shows good balance and flavour. Initially quite sweet on the nose, the palate offers more depth and a lot less saccharine than you might be expecting. Agreeable stuff.