The Dalmore 12 Year Old

Dalmore, ohhh Dalmore....

Alexander Matheson, a trader who made his fortune in illegal opium imports from the Far East, founded the Dalmore Distillery in 1839. It is located on the northern shores of the Firth of Cromarty, deep in the Scottish Highlands. The Dalmore changed owners many times throughout the years, with Clan Mackenzie being in control the longest.

Clan Mackenzie is to thank for Dalmore's signature twelve-progned stag included on all Dalmore bottles. The story of the stag goes back to 1263, when the head of clan Mackenzie heroically saved Scottish King Alexander the Third, with a single arrow to end the Stag's attempt.

All of Dalmore’s Whiskies start in ex-Bourbon barrels. Dalmore 12 ages 9 years in those Bourbon casks. Then, the Spirit is divided. Half is re-casked in Bourbon barrels, and the other half — the magical half — ages three more years in Matusalem Oloroso casks. And that Matusalem Oloroso is mystical stuff indeed. It is the Rolls Royce of Oloroso Sherries, having itself quietly rested at least 30 years.

It is these barrels that hold the key. After three decades the barrels are so packed with incredibly dense flavors that they veritably explode into the Whisky during those last three years of maturation.

Smartass Corner:
The ex-Bourbon casks used in the making of Dalmore can usually be had for less than $100 each, but the 30-year-old Gonzalez Byass Matusalem Sherry casks cost upwards of $1500 each.