Dalmore 18 Years Old (43%)

This official Dalmore, an 18 year old, at 43%. Dalmore was founded in 1839 at Alness, and wears the twelve pointed Royal Stag of the Mackenzie clan. Water comes from the River Averon, drawn from Loch Morie in the hills above.

It was worked through flat topped and water jacketed stills for a rich, oily spirit, to build a rich, sherry loving character. Ex-Sherry wood, the Matusalem and Apostoles style, gave a deep marmalade and chocolate richness. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, tannic grip. The rich, oily spirit takes cask flavour superbly, especially aged sherry wood. Refill oak lets the full bodied Dalmore character lead, orange and dried fruit beneath. The thick spirit shows the sherry clearly, dried fruit and orange over a malty depth. The cool Highland air on the firth gives a slow, even maturation.

At 43% it is gentle, sweet and fruity. A rich, oily chocolate orange, with dried fruit, chocolate and orange from the cask. Marmalade, chocolate and dried fruit fill the middle. The close is long, fruit over a rich sherry. This is the rich, sherried Highland malt of Dalmore.