We are currently featuring The Dalmore Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky. Bottles staff were lucky enough to taste through each expression with Ralph Rooke, brand ambassador for The Dalmore. Some favorites were King Alexander III, Cigar Malt Reserve, and the Shackleton reproduction of Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt. Watch the video to learn a little about The Dalmore’s long history and the different expressions available here at Bottles.
The 12
Matured for an initial nine years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before being carefully divided. One half continues its maturation in bourbon barrels, the other half is transferred to 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry casks. Complex, yet balanced, The Dalmore 12 year old is the epitome of the Dalmore house style.
The 15
Twelve years maturing in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, then a three year finish in three different sherry woods – Amoroso, Apostoles and Matusalem oloroso. A robust, yet elegant spirit.
Cigar Malt Reserve
The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve benefits from a judicious selection of aged stocks drawn from casks of three types: American white oak ex-bourbon casks, 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry butts and premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques. Bottled at 44% alcohol by volume, the body, structure and character of this extraordinary expression is the perfect complement to a fine cigar.
King Alexander III
Crafted to honour the act of saving Scotland’s King in 1263, this expression unites six specially selected casks housing spirit of perfect maturity. Whiskies matured in ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem oloroso sherry wood, Madeira barrels, Marsala casks, port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques are brought together in perfect harmony. Each cask gives its own flavour notes, delivering a unique complex single malt whisky revered by connoisseurs.
Castle Leod
This limited edition bottling celebrates the ancient and historic seat of Clan Mackenzie and is the second in a series crafted by Master Distiller Richard Paterson in homage to Clan Mackenzie.
Castle Leod has been home to the Caberfeidh, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, since 1606 and is located just 14 miles from the The Dalmore Distillery. This classic Vintage 1995 expression was matured initially in American white oak and Spanish sherry wood, before being transferred for a final 18 months to barriques from a legendary 1st cru classe Bordeaux chateau.
Shackleton
In 1908, explorer Ernest Shackleton led his famed Nimrod expedition to the South Pole. Among his essential provisions was twenty-five cases of 1907 Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt. While the men failed to reach the South Pole, they did manage to make it back to base camp and safely home. Sadly the three cases of whiskey were left to fend for themselves. In 2007, New Zealand’s Antarctic Heritage Trust discovered the three cases and a long process respecting scientific protocols began. In 2010 a team of scientists opened the crates to discover eleven bottles, ten still in the wrapping! The pristine, untouched bottles were the first chance for scientists and distillers to study whiskey prior to the Industrial Revolution. The whiskey has been replicated with malts from Glen Mhor, Glenfarclas, Mannochmore, Tamnavulin, Glen Rothes, Pulteney, Ben Nevis and Jura – varying from eight to thirty years aged in the finest sherry barrels. Apple, pineapple with hints of smoke and creamy caramel are just a few of the multitude of flavors in every sip.