Dalmore Vintage 15 Years Old 2007

Dalmore from the distillery, a 15 year old, from 2007, at 46.5%. Dalmore is a Whyte and Mackay distillery known for its opulent, dried fruit rich style. Most expressions are finished in aged sherry wood, giving orange, chocolate and treacle.

Run through the distillery's unusual flat topped and water jacketed stills, for a full, opulent Highland spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the oak letting the full bodied, oily character lead. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, the sherry turning to marmalade, treacle and dark chocolate. The Royal Stag style is built on rich spirit and deep sherry wood. Water comes from the River Averon, drawn from Loch Morie in the hills above. Maturation in the cool north keeps the rich spirit balanced over the years. The cool Highland air on the firth gives a slow, even maturation. Much of its sherry comes from aged Oloroso casks, the Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso butts of Gonzalez Byass.

At 46.5% it is gentle, sweet and fruity. A rich, sherried sweetness, with raisin and brown sugar from the cask. Soft orange and a treacly malt sit behind the cask. The finish is long, rich and chocolatey. This is the Royal Stag malt of the Cromarty Firth.