Dalmore whiskey: history, features, overview of taste and types
The Scottish Highlands have given the world many first-class scotches. Among them is the luxurious Dalmore single malt whiskey, recognizable by its original bottle with a deer's head and a bright citrus flavor. The drinks of the brand belong to the category of elite alcohol, due to the high price, not everyone can afford it.
The history of Dalmore whiskey
Dalmore Distillery started its work in 1839 as a small family business. Its first owner, Scottish farmer Alexander Matheson, when opening a tiny whiskey distillery, planned to satisfy only personal needs, not to sell alcohol.
The place for the construction of the distillery was chosen extremely well: there was a clean natural spring with soft drinking water and peat-rich lands of the eastern Scottish coast nearby.
A new period in the distillery's history began in 1867 with the transfer of ownership to the Mackenzie clan. Representatives of the noble family increased production volumes and began to produce Dalmore scotch for sale.
After some time, the image of a branched deer's head, which is an element of the Mackenzie coat of arms, appeared on the bottles. According to legend, in the XIII century, one of the clan members saved King Alexander III from a wild animal attack. In gratitude, the monarch allowed the noble family to use the emblem of a royal deer with 12 branches on its horns in its coat of arms.
The first half of the XX century was not the most successful for the company: first it was closed, then it was partially destroyed by an explosion. It was possible to resume full-fledged work only by the 50s.
In the second half of the XX century, the plant changed owners and production methods several times. Today the distillery is part of the Diageo company.
Features of Dalmore whiskey production
The company became famous for its experiments in the field of distillation and aging of whiskey, which resulted in the creation of a unique technology. It includes:
Distilled in cubes of various designs. Some containers are equipped with a classic elongated "neck", others are equipped with a flat top, and still others are supplemented with special cooling cylinders that ensure exceptional purity of spirits.
Maturation of drinks in oak vessels of several types: new and old, European and American, sherry, bourbon, port, wine. The aging period is different for each type of scotch.
Combining spirits from different barrels and harmonizing them with a short-term "extra aging" in special oak tanks.
The result is bright, balanced single malt scotches that are highly valued at home and abroad. The quality of special drinks is confirmed by numerous international awards.
Overview of Dalmore whisky types
The Dalmore 12 years old
An outstanding whiskey, matured in American white oak barrels and aged in sherry casks.
The aroma is dominated by citrus, chocolate and spicy tones.
The taste is characterized by notes of dried fruits, vanilla and oranges.
Aftertaste: rich, bright, with accents of roasted coffee and cocoa.
Strength: 40%.
Port Wood Reserve
Smooth single malt scotch, aged in two types of barrels: American white oak and Spanish port wine barrels.
The flavor of the drink is distinctly fruity with hints of plums, cherries, and juicy Seville oranges.
The taste is dominated by notes of caramel, creamy toffee, nectarines, roasted chestnuts and coffee.
Finish: rich, berry and citrus.
Strength: 46,5%.
The Dalmore 15 years
One of the brightest representatives of the brand is a balanced, smooth, rounded whiskey, matured in different types of sherry casks.
Main notes: citrus, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, ginger, apples.
The rich aftertaste pleases with hints of orange, caramel and dark chocolate.
Strength: 40%.
Cigar Malt Reserve
The perfect companion to expensive cigars is a single malt scotch aged in bourbon, sherry and Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks.
The aroma has notes of cinnamon, vanilla and red fruits.
The taste is dominated by hints of tropical fruits, banana toffee and vanilla ice cream.
Finish: bright, orange-chocolate with a light spicy aftertaste.
Alcohol content: 44%.
The Dalmore 18 years
Excellent whiskey matured in bourbon and sherry barrels.
Main notes: vanilla, chocolate, orange, cinnamon, coffee, liquorice, nutmeg.
Aftertaste: rich, with tones of citrus and molasses.
Alcohol content: 43%.
King Alexander III
A special exquisite drink that has been aged in 6 types of barrels.
The bouquet combines aromas of red berries, passion fruit, vanilla, almonds and citrus zest.
Palate: rich, spicy with accents of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
Strength: 40%.
The Dalmore 25 years
Exceptional whiskey matured in barrels of sub-bourbon, port and 30-year-old sherry.
Aroma: exotic, with hints of citrus, toffee and figs.
Taste: intense, multilayered, with accents of molasses, chocolate truffles, vanilla and a spicy-sweet finish with notes of fresh baking.
Strength: 42%.
Under the prestigious Scottish brand, an exclusive line "The Fortuna Meritas Collection" is released, created for duty-free stores.
Update: 20.04.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon