Dalmore 28 Years Old 1992 Cask #1749 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Dalmore, a 28 year old, distilled in 1992, from cask 1749, bottled at 44.3%, one of 236 bottles. Dalmore was founded in 1839 at Alness, and wears the twelve pointed Royal Stag of the Mackenzie clan. Much of its sherry comes from aged Oloroso casks, the Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso butts of Gonzalez Byass.

The spirit was distilled for the thick, full bodied spirit Dalmore is known for, building the luscious Dalmore style. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and orange over the rich spirit. In the oxidative, evaporative years concentration brings dried fruit, fig, coffee and a treacly depth over a rich malt. The rich, oily spirit takes cask flavour superbly, especially aged sherry wood. It is owned by Whyte and Mackay, and its King Alexander III bottling nods to the clan legend. The rich, dried fruit style runs through the core range, from the twelve year old upward.

At 44.3% it is smooth and honeyed. Baked fruit, coffee and a dark sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Marmalade, chocolate and dried fruit fill the middle. The finish runs rich, fruity and warm. This is Dalmore's opulent, chocolate orange Highland style.