Dalmore 21 Years Old 1998 Cask #8217 (Adelphi)

This Dalmore was bottled by the bottler Adelphi, a 21 year old, distilled in 1998, from cask 8217, bottled at 57.2%, one of 132 bottles. 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.

Distilled for the thick, full bodied spirit Dalmore is known for, to build a rich, sherry loving character. An Oloroso hogshead lent dried fruit, walnut and a dark, treacly depth, soaked up by the heavy spirit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, tannic grip. Years in oak round the spirit, the fruit deepening to chocolate, marmalade and treacle. Maturation in the cool north keeps the rich spirit balanced over the years.

At a natural 57.2% it is full and honeyed. Marmalade, chocolate and a malty depth, with dried fruit, chocolate and orange from the cask. Soft orange and a treacly malt sit behind the cask. It finishes rich, malty and warm. This is a rich, full bodied Highland single malt.