Dalmore Constellation Collection 31 Years Old 1980

This official Dalmore, a 31 year old, from 1980, cask 2140, at 52.1%, 227 bottles in all. Dalmore is a full bodied, sherried Highland single malt from the shores of the Cromarty Firth. The distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson on the Cromarty Firth at Alness.

It was worked through flat topped and water jacketed stills for a rich, oily spirit, to build a rich, sherry loving character. A Pedro Ximenez cask added raisin, date, fig and a treacle sweetness. In its ethereal years the malt is deep and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, spice). The water jacketed stills give a heavy spirit that soaks up sherry over a long maturation. It is owned by Whyte and Mackay, and its King Alexander III bottling nods to the clan legend. The Mackenzie clan ran it from 1867, and gave it the twelve pointed Royal Stag, after an ancestor saved King Alexander III from a charging stag in 1263.

At a hearty 52.1% it carries real weight. A rich, sherried sweetness, with dried fruit, chocolate and orange from the cask. It is full and rich, the opulent spirit shining through. A full, sherried finish ends on orange and dark chocolate. This is the Royal Stag malt of the Cromarty Firth.