Region of production: Highland
Distillery Location: Alness, Highland
Year Established: 1839

Top Spirits Produced

  • Core Range:
    • 12, 15, 18, 25 Years Old
    • Cigar Malt Reserve, Port Wood Reserve, King Alexander III
  • Travel (Duty Free) Range: Valour, Regalis, Luceo, Dominium
  • Limited Releases:
    • Legendary Collection: The Paterson Collection, Trinitas, The Drew Sinclair, Eos, Selene, Oculus, Sirius, Candela, Aurora, Astrum, Ceti, Vintage 1979, 1981 Matusalem, 1981 Amoroso, Mackenzie, Castle Leod, Cromartie, Daniel Boulud
    • The Constellation Collection: A series of single cask releases produced between 1964 to 1992.

Average Total Production

  • 4.3 million liters neutral spirit before aging

Summary

The Dalmore’s history begins in 1263 when Colin of Kintail, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, saved Scottish King Alexander III from a stag’s charge. King Alexander III awarded him land, a motto, and the right to bear the 12-pointed royal stag as his clan’s crest. Alexander Matheson officially founded the distillery in 1839. When he sold it in 1867 to the Mackenzie brothers, they added the image of the stag to The Dalmore’s labels. Family ownership continued until 1960, when Whyte & Mackay took over the distillery. Several changes in ownership ensued; in 2014, The Dalmore was acquired by Emperador Inc.

The Dalmore uses water from the River Alness, which flows through the town. The distillery has had a long relationship with González Byass, dating over 100 years, through which they receive Sherry casks that held 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso Sherry.

Style & Distillation Techniques

The Dalmore is unique in its use of various still shapes. Each affects flavor differently, contributing to the whisky’s complexity. Many of the spirits are double matured in ex-Bourbon casks and Sherry casks exclusively from González Byass, which are handpicked by The Dalmore’s master distiller, Richard Paterson. Some spirits enjoy a final finishing in other woods such as Cabernet barrels, Port pipes, and Marsala barrels.

Producer Website: Dalmore