Dalmore 24 Years Old 1986 Cask #3098 (Mackillop’s Choice)

This Dalmore was bottled by the bottler Mackillop's Choice, a 24 year old, distilled in 1986, from cask 3098, bottled at 55.9%. Dalmore, on the firth at Alness, makes one of the most luscious, sherried malts in the Highlands. 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.

It was distilled for the thick, full bodied spirit Dalmore is known for, for a heavy, rich make that suits aged sherry wood. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, vanilla and a soft orange behind the rich spirit. Through the evaporative decades the spirit concentrates, esters folding into dried fruit, chocolate and a warm spice. The full bodied make rewards a long, sherried maturation in good wood. Refill oak lets the full bodied Dalmore character lead, orange and dried fruit beneath.

At 55.9%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Marmalade, chocolate and a malty depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is heavy, the fruit carried on a rich, malty body. The finish runs rich, fruity and warm. This is a rich, full bodied Highland single malt.