Dalmore 15 Years Old (46.8%)

Dalmore from the distillery, a 15 year old, at 46.8%. Dalmore, on the firth at Alness, makes one of the most luscious, sherried malts in the Highlands. It is owned by Whyte and Mackay, and its King Alexander III bottling nods to the clan legend.

The spirit was distilled for the thick, full bodied spirit Dalmore is known for, for the rich, full bodied make Dalmore is known for. A bourbon barrel held it, vanilla and a marmalade citrus over the oily malt. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, the sherry turning to marmalade, treacle and dark chocolate. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the rich malt. The full bodied make rewards a long, sherried maturation in good wood. Maturation in the cool north keeps the rich spirit balanced over the years. Long ageing turns the fresh orange towards marmalade, dark chocolate, coffee and a warm spice.

At 46.8% it is smooth and honeyed. Orange, treacle and a warm spice, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is thick and oily, the fruit lifted by a rich sherry. Dried fruit, orange and a treacly oak see out the finish. This is one of the Highlands' most opulent single malts.