Dalmore Special Cask Finish 30 Years Old 1973

Dalmore from the distillery, a 30 year old, from 1973, at 42%. Dalmore was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson and long run by the Mackenzies. Much of its sherry comes from aged Oloroso casks, the Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso butts of Gonzalez Byass.

Made in copper stills whose water jackets give a heavy make, building the luscious Dalmore style. Maturation in an Oloroso butt laid dried fruit, treacle and dark chocolate over the oily malt. Ethereal and old, decades draw the malt to a rich, waxy depth of sotolon, old oak and dried fruit. Dalmore's sherry comes largely from the aged Oloroso casks of Gonzalez Byass. Its flat topped wash stills and water jacketed spirit stills build a thick, rich, oily spirit. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the rich, sherried core over the years. Long ageing turns the fresh orange towards marmalade, dark chocolate, coffee and a warm spice.

At an approachable 42% it is soft and easy. Baked fruit, coffee and a dark sweetness, with dried fruit, chocolate and orange from the cask. A dried fruit and a chocolate depth give it weight. A long, opulent finish carries a chocolate orange depth. This is Dalmore, rich with orange and dark chocolate.