Dalmore Constellation Collection 39 Years Old 1972

An official release of Dalmore, a 39 year old, from 1972, cask 1, at 47.5%, 119 bottles in all. Dalmore is a Whyte and Mackay distillery known for its opulent, dried fruit rich style. The distillery stands on the firth near Alness, in the Northern Highlands.

The spirit was run through the distillery's unusual flat topped and water jacketed stills, giving the thick, oily spirit that drinks sherry so well. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the oak letting the full bodied, oily character lead. At a great, fragile age oxidation rules, sotolon lending maple and old oak as leather, coffee and dark chocolate linger. The full bodied make rewards a long, sherried maturation in good wood. Most expressions are finished in aged sherry wood, giving orange, chocolate and treacle. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the rich malt.

Bottled at a cask strength 47.5%, it is rich. Baked fruit, coffee and a dark sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is heavy, the fruit carried on a rich, malty body. The finish is long, rich and chocolatey. This is a rich, full bodied Highland single malt.