The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
The Dalmore for port lovers. After aging in American oak, this single malt finishes in tawny port casks and is bottled at 46.5%, the highest strength in the core range. Creamy caramel, sweet plums and a hint of Java coffee, with enough strength to stand up to a drop of water.
Port instead of sherry
While almost every Dalmore gets its character from oloroso sherry casks, the Port Wood Reserve is all about port. Like every Dalmore, the whisky starts out in American oak, then finishes in casks that previously held tawny port. The wood gives it a different sweetness than sherry: less dried fruit and nuts, more red fruit, plum and creamy caramel.
The second difference is the strength. At 46.5%, the Port Wood is the strongest bottle in the core range, compared with 40% for the 12 and 15 Years. This gives it a fuller mouthfeel and a longer finish. Master blender Richard Paterson himself describes it as a multitude of exotic flavors. No age statement on the label: here, it’s all about the cask, not the years.
At a glance
Caramel, plums and a hint of coffee
Red fruit and caramel
Sweet and creamy, with ripe plums and caramel. The port cask gives the nose a warm, almost wine-like quality.
Full and rich
Full-bodied and powerful at 46.5%. Creamy caramel and sweet plums, with a hint of Java coffee that balances the sweetness.
Long and warm
A long, warm finish with coffee and dark fruit. A few drops of water make it creamier and smoother.
Flavor profile of The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve, tasted neat. Adding water softens the strength and brings out more caramel.
Three ways to drink Port Wood
At this higher strength, water isn’t a minor detail but part of the ritual. And the coffee notes call for a cup on the side.
With a drop of water
Pour 30 ml into a tulip glass, smell and taste it neat. Then add five or six drops of cool water. At 46.5%, the whisky changes noticeably: creamier, sweeter, with more plum.
Glass: tasting glass →With an espresso
Enjoy it after dinner alongside a small, strong coffee. The Java coffee notes in the whisky and the real coffee enhance each other, while the caramel does the job of a sugar cube.
Coffee cocktails →Port Wood Manhattan
50 ml Port Wood, 25 ml red vermouth and two dashes of Angostura, stirred slowly over ice and strained into a chilled coupe. Made with Scotch whisky, this is technically a Rob Roy; the port cask makes it extra smooth.
Go to recipe →Cocktails with a port cask malt
Sweet, fruity whisky pairs well with vermouth and coffee. Use it sparingly: most bottles are best enjoyed neat.
Manhattan
Whisky, red vermouth and bitters. The port cask and vermouth work seamlessly together.
Irish Coffee
Hot coffee, sugar, whisky and cream. Port Wood makes it a Scottish version with caramel.
Old Fashioned
Whisky, sugar and bitters. At 46.5%, the flavor holds up even as the ice melts.
Coffee cocktails
All coffee cocktails, from Irish Coffee to Espresso Martini.The right glass for the Port Wood Reserve
A tulip-shaped tasting glass for drinking neat or with water, a coupe for the Manhattan, and an Irish coffee glass for the hot coffee version.
More flavours of The Dalmore
The Dalmore
Where it all began. Visit the brand page to learn all about The Dalmore: its origins, varieties and classic cocktails.
Visit The Dalmore →
The Dalmore 12 Years Sherry Cask Select
The 12, finished in three Andalusian sherry casks, at 43%. Richer, sweeter and deeper than the regular 12.
View The Dalmore 12 Years Sherry Cask Select →
The Dalmore 15 Years
Twelve years in American oak, three years in three sherry casks. Full-bodied and velvety, with dried fruit, cinnamon and chocolate.
View The Dalmore 15 Years →
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve
Bourbon, Matusalem oloroso and cabernet sauvignon casks. Full-bodied and rich, with sherry, vanilla and caramel: made to enjoy with a cigar.
View The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve →
The Dalmore King Alexander III
Bourbon, Matusalem oloroso, marsala, madeira, port and cabernet sauvignon. Complex and fruity: a whisky to take your time discovering.
View The Dalmore King Alexander III →Everything about whisky: the types, best-known brands and cocktails.
Questions about The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
Can’t find your question here? Read more on our page about The Dalmore or check out our cocktail recipes.
Everything about The Dalmore →What is the alcohol content of The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve?
What’s the difference between the Port Wood Reserve and the Dalmore 12?
Does The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve have an age statement?
Should I add water to the Port Wood?
Is port the same as sherry?
Buy Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
Want to get the bottle delivered straight to your door? Order Dalmore Port Wood Reserve online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of November 3, 2026, as reported by Gall & Gall. You can check the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; it won’t cost you anything extra. No 18, no alcohol.
