Dalmore Vintage 10 Years Old 2009

Dalmore from the distillery, a 10 year old, from 2009, at 42.5%. Dalmore, on the firth at Alness, makes one of the most luscious, sherried malts in the Highlands. The rich, dried fruit style runs through the core range, from the twelve year old upward.

The spirit was run through the distillery's unusual flat topped and water jacketed stills, for the rich, full bodied make Dalmore is known for. Ex-Sherry wood, the Matusalem and Apostoles style, gave a deep marmalade and chocolate richness. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the rich body fuller and darker. 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. Water comes from the River Averon, drawn from Loch Morie in the hills above.

At an approachable 42.5% it is soft and easy. Baked fruit, coffee and a dark sweetness, with dried fruit, chocolate and orange from the cask. Soft orange and a treacly malt sit behind the cask. The finish is long, rich and chocolatey. This is Dalmore, rich with orange and dark chocolate.