Distillery Spotlight - Dalmore Whisky

Distillery Spotlight - Dalmore Whisky

Dalmore Whisky is a renowned single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in Alness, on the northeastern coast of Scotland. Established in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, Dalmore is known for its rich history, exceptional craftsmanship, and the use of rare, long-aged whiskies. Here’s a spotlight on some key aspects:

1. Heritage and Distillery Location

  • Founded: 1839 by Alexander Matheson.
  • Location: Alness, Highlands, Scotland, overlooking the Cromarty Firth, which is believed to contribute to its unique climate and maturation conditions.

2. Iconic Branding - The Royal Stag

  • Dalmore’s logo features a 12-point Royal Stag emblem, a symbol granted to the Mackenzie family (who took ownership of the distillery in 1867) by King Alexander III of Scotland. This emblem remains central to the Dalmore brand and its heritage.

3. Mastery of Cask Maturation

  • Dalmore is celebrated for its innovative cask management. The distillery utilises a wide range of high-quality oak casks for ageing, including American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and sherry casks sourced from bodegas like González Byass (the famed producers of Matusalem Oloroso sherry).
  • The focus on sherry casks (particularly for its long-aged releases) adds layers of complex flavours like dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, and spices to their whisky.

4. Signature Whiskies

  • Dalmore 12 Year Old: A flagship expression, matured in both ex-bourbon and sherry casks, offering a balance of citrus, spice, and chocolate flavours.
  • Dalmore 18 Year Old: A richer, more complex whisky aged in American oak and sherry casks, with notes of dark chocolate, orange, and spices.
  • Dalmore King Alexander III: A unique whisky aged in six different types of casks (bourbon, sherry, port, Madeira, marsala, and Cabernet Sauvignon), delivering an intricate and luxurious flavour profile.
  • Dalmore 25 Year Old: A highly coveted, mature whisky with rich, indulgent flavours of marmalade, chocolate, and coffee.
  • Dalmore 40 Year Old: An ultra-premium release, known for its rarity and exquisite depth of flavour, often praised for its elegance and complexity.

5. Reputation for Rarity and Luxury

  • Dalmore is known for producing some of the most expensive and collectible whiskies in the world. Limited releases, long ageing periods, and the use of rare casks have led to high auction prices for certain bottles.
  • The Dalmore 62 Year Old is one of the rarest and one of the most expensive whiskies ever sold, fetching a record price at auction, in 2002 & 2017. 

6. Master Distiller - Richard Paterson

  • Richard Paterson, Dalmore’s master distiller for over 50 years, is one of the most respected figures in the whisky industry. His meticulous blending and cask selection techniques have been instrumental in shaping Dalmore’s luxury image.

7. Tasting Profile

Dalmore whiskies are often characterised by:

  • Rich and Full-bodied Texture: Known for their oily and mouth-coating texture.
  • Tasting Notes: Flavours typically include dark fruits (figs, raisins), chocolate, citrus (orange marmalade), roasted coffee, and warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg).
  • Finish: Long, rich, and often infused with the sweet and savoury influence of sherry casks.

Dalmore’s blend of heritage, luxury, and craftsmanship has made it a respected name in the world of premium Scotch whisky, appealing to collectors and connoisseurs alike.

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