Dalmore King Alexander III (42.8%)

This official Dalmore, at 42.8%. Dalmore is a rich, marmalade and dark chocolate Highland single malt of real opulence. 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. A bourbon barrel held it, vanilla and a marmalade citrus over the oily malt. Without an age statement, vanillin sweetness and a chocolate orange depth point to good years in oak. The water jacketed stills give a heavy spirit that soaks up sherry over a long maturation. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the rich malt. The Dalmore range climbs to some of the oldest and most expensive whiskies in the world. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the rich, sherried core over the years.

At 42.8% it is clean and soft. Baked fruit, coffee and a dark sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a chocolate depth give it weight. Dried fruit, orange and a treacly oak see out the finish. This is the rich, sherried Highland malt of Dalmore.