Dalmore Constellation Collection 40 Years Old 1971

This official Dalmore, a 40 year old, from 1971, cask 2, at 43.9%, 224 bottles in all. Dalmore, on the firth at Alness, makes one of the most luscious, sherried malts in the Highlands. The Dalmore range climbs to some of the oldest and most expensive whiskies in the world.

It was made in copper stills whose water jackets give a heavy make, for a heavy, rich make that suits aged sherry wood. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding vanilla and a soft honey. In its ethereal years the malt is deep and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, spice). The Royal Stag style is built on rich spirit and deep sherry wood. Its flat topped wash stills and water jacketed spirit stills build a thick, rich, oily spirit. The full bodied make rewards a long, sherried maturation in good wood. The distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson on the Cromarty Firth at Alness.

At 43.9%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Orange, dark chocolate and dried fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Marmalade, chocolate and dried fruit fill the middle. The finish is deep, sherried and dark. This is Dalmore's opulent, chocolate orange Highland style.