Dalmore Vintage 15 Years Old 2001

This official Dalmore, a 15 year old, from 2001, at 40%, 3000 bottles in all. Dalmore is a full bodied, sherried Highland single malt from the shores of the Cromarty Firth. The Dalmore range climbs to some of the oldest and most expensive whiskies in the world.

It was drawn off stills whose cooling jackets build a rich, oily spirit, for the rich, full bodied make Dalmore is known for. A Cabernet Sauvignon cask gave blackcurrant, red berry and a dry spice. In the oxidative middle years oxidation draws out a deeper dried fruit, vanillin and lactones fully expressed. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the rich malt. Its flat topped wash stills and water jacketed spirit stills build a thick, rich, oily spirit. Its spirit stills wear cooling water jackets, condensing the heavier compounds back for a fuller body. Much of its sherry comes from aged Oloroso casks, the Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso butts of Gonzalez Byass.

At 40% it is smooth and honeyed. A rich, oily chocolate orange, with plum, chocolate and red berry from the cask. It is full and rich, the opulent spirit shining through. It finishes rich, malty and warm. This is Dalmore's opulent, chocolate orange Highland style.