Dalmore 16 Years Old 2004 Cask #1027524 (Duncan Taylor)

A Dalmore of a 16 year old chosen by the Huntly bottler Duncan Taylor, distilled in 2004, from cask 1027524, bottled at 55.1%, one of 92 bottles. Dalmore is a Highland distillery on the Cromarty Firth, famous for its rich, heavily sherried single malt. 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 drawn off stills whose cooling jackets build a rich, oily spirit, giving the thick, oily spirit that drinks sherry so well. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the rich character to the fore. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, the sherry turning to marmalade, treacle and dark chocolate. Refill oak lets the full bodied Dalmore character lead, orange and dried fruit beneath. Maturation in the cool north keeps the rich spirit balanced over the years.

At its natural 55.1% it is concentrated. A full, dried fruit richness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is full and rich, the opulent spirit shining through. The finish runs rich, fruity and warm. This is the rich, sherried Highland malt of Dalmore.