Dalmore 25 Years Old 1990 Cask #66 (Silver Seal)

A 25 year old Dalmore from the bottler Silver Seal, distilled in 1990, from cask 66, bottled at 55.5%, one of 228 bottles. Dalmore is a rich, marmalade and dark chocolate Highland single malt of real opulence. Its flat topped wash stills and water jacketed spirit stills build a thick, rich, oily spirit.

It was made in copper stills whose water jackets give a heavy make, for a heavy, rich make that suits aged sherry wood. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and orange over the rich spirit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, darker fruit. An aged Oloroso cask suits the rich spirit, dried fruit and chocolate meeting the oily weight. The Royal Stag style is built on rich spirit and deep sherry wood. Dalmore's sherry comes largely from the aged Oloroso casks of Gonzalez Byass. It is owned by Whyte and Mackay, and its King Alexander III bottling nods to the clan legend.

At cask strength 55.5% it is full bodied. Orange, dark chocolate and dried fruit, 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.