The Dalmore 18 Year Old is widely regarded as a high point of the distillery's age stated core range, an evolution of the house style that trades elegance for bolder, richer, more formidable character. The Dalmore, founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in Alness, is one of the most prestigious Highland distilleries, celebrated for its full bodied, sherry influenced single malts and its proprietary access to some of the rarest casks in the world. This 18 year old expression showcases that access beautifully. The spirit is first matured for around 14 years in American white oak ex bourbon casks, yielding soft vanilla and honey, before being transferred for its final four years into casks that previously held 30 year old Matusalem Oloroso sherry, supplied exclusively to The Dalmore by the renowned Gonzalez Byass bodega in Spain. These exceptional sherry butts give the whisky its deep, decadent chocolate character. Distilled through Dalmore's distinctive flat top wash stills and cold water jacketed spirit stills, which produce an especially opulent, oily spirit, and bottled at 43 percent ABV, it pours a rich amber and opens with a fragrant nose of vanilla, dark chocolate, orange, cinnamon, and lush red fruits. The palate is robust and luscious, with milk and dark chocolate, candied citrus, rich coffee, nutmeg, and soft licorice, leading to a long, spiced finish of caramel, molasses, and citrus. A Gold medal winner at the 2019 International Wine and Spirits Competition and presented in an elegant navy gift box bearing the iconic 12 point Dalmore stag, it is a luxurious sipping whisky and a prized centerpiece for any collection.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
The Dalmore |
| Distillery |
The Dalmore Distillery, Alness, Northern Highlands, Scotland |
| Producer |
Whyte & Mackay |
| Category |
Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Expression |
18 Year Old |
| Age Statement |
18 Years |
| Mashbill |
100% malted barley (single malt) |
| Maturation |
~14 years in American white oak ex bourbon casks, then ~4 years finishing in 30 year old Matusalem Oloroso sherry butts (González Byass) |
| Bottling |
Core aged expression; navy presentation gift box |
| ABV |
43% |
| Proof |
86 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland |
| Region |
Highland |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich amber.
Nose: Vanilla, dark chocolate, orange, and cinnamon, with lush red fruits.
Palate: Dark and milk chocolate, candied citrus, rich coffee, nutmeg, and soft licorice.
Finish: Long and spiced, with caramel, molasses, and citrus.
FAQ
How is it matured? Around 14 years in American white oak ex bourbon casks, then about 4 years finishing in casks that held 30 year old Matusalem Oloroso sherry, exclusive to The Dalmore from González Byass.
What proof is it? 86 proof, or 43 percent ABV, slightly higher than the Dalmore 12 and 15.
What does it taste like? Rich and chocolatey, with dark chocolate, candied citrus, coffee, and spice from the sherry influence.
Where is it from? The Dalmore distillery in Alness, in the Northern Highlands of Scotland.
Does it come in a gift box? Yes, it is presented in The Dalmore's navy presentation box.
Where can I buy The Dalmore 18 Year online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
