Dalmore distillery

Introduction to Dalmore

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Dalmore is a prestigious Highland Scotch whisky distillery, located on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in Ross-shire, Scotland. For over 180 years, Dalmore has been creating some of the world’s most exceptional single malt whiskies, uniting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. The distillery’s location provides access to pure water sources and creates optimal conditions for the maturation of their exceptional spirits.

The iconic royal stag emblem adorning each bottle speaks to the distillery’s noble heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence in every drop they produce.

Why we have a soft spot for Dalmore

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that demonstrate a clear vision and extraordinary attention to detail. Dalmore stands out for its exceptional cask management program, particularly its pioneering use of rare and exclusive wine casks for finishing their whiskies. The distillery’s relentless pursuit of perfection and its ability to create complex, richly-flavored expressions make it a true gem in the world of fine spirits.

Their signature chocolate-orange profile, coupled with the rich mahogany color of many releases, creates an unforgettable sensory experience that exemplifies what makes Scotch whisky so special.

The History Behind Dalmore

Origin and development

Dalmore was established in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, a wealthy tea merchant who saw potential in the pristine landscape of the northern Highlands. The name “Dalmore” comes from the Gaelic “dal mòr,” meaning “big meadow.” The distillery’s fortunes truly changed when it was acquired by the Mackenzie clan in 1867, whose family crest featuring the 12-pointed royal stag became the distillery’s enduring symbol.

According to legend, in 1263, an ancestor of the clan saved King Alexander III of Scotland from a charging stag during a hunt, earning the right to use the royal emblem – a heritage that Dalmore proudly carries forward in each bottle.

The people behind

The distillery is now under the stewardship of Master Distiller Richard Paterson, affectionately known as “The Nose” in the industry. With over 50 years of experience, Paterson is a legendary figure whose expertise and passion have been instrumental in elevating Dalmore to its current status. Under his guidance, a team of dedicated craftspeople maintains the distillery’s exacting standards while continuing to innovate.

Paterson’s unparalleled knowledge of cask influence and blending has helped create some of the most coveted and expensive whiskies in the world, including the record-breaking Dalmore Constellation Collection.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Dalmore starts with carefully selected Scottish barley, which undergoes a meticulous mashing and fermentation process. The distillery’s unique stills are a defining feature – with flat tops and water-cooled condensers that create a heavier, more complex spirit. The copper stills have an unusual shape with cooling jackets around the necks, allowing precise control over reflux during distillation.

Most distinctive are the different sizes of their stills, which produce varying styles of spirit that can later be combined to create Dalmore’s signature profile. This careful orchestration of distillation parameters is key to creating their distinctive character.

Maturation and aging

What truly sets Dalmore apart is its exceptional wood management policy. Initial maturation typically occurs in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, but Dalmore pioneered the use of exclusive wine casks for finishing. They maintain privileged relationships with prestigious houses like González Byass, whose rare, aged sherry casks are used for many Dalmore expressions.

The distillery’s warehouses, located close to the sea, provide the perfect environment for long-term aging, with the coastal climate imparting subtle complexity to the maturing spirit. Many Dalmore expressions undergo extended maturation, with some prestigious releases featuring whiskies aged for decades.

Selected Products from Dalmore

Dalmore 12 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

The Dalmore 12 Year Old offers an excellent entry point into the distillery’s signature style. Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before being finished in rare 30-year-old Matusalem oloroso sherry casks, it delivers notes of orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and warm spices. The silky mouthfeel and elegant balance make it appealing to both newcomers and seasoned whisky enthusiasts.

This expression perfectly encapsulates the orange-chocolate profile that has become Dalmore’s calling card in the whisky world.

Dalmore King Alexander III – An experience for connoisseurs

A masterpiece of multi-cask maturation, the King Alexander III is the only single malt in the world matured in six different cask types: ex-bourbon, Matusalem oloroso sherry, Madeira, Marsala, port, and Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks. This intricate composition creates extraordinary complexity with layers of tropical fruits, vanilla bean, citrus peel, and dark chocolate, all wrapped in a luxurious velvety texture.

The extraordinary depth and harmonious balance of flavors make this a benchmark expression for serious whisky enthusiasts looking to explore the heights of cask influence.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Dalmore offers exclusive distillery experiences at their historic home in the Scottish Highlands. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that provide insight into every aspect of production – from malting to distillation and maturation. The tasting experiences are particularly special, offering the chance to sample rare expressions guided by expert staff who understand the nuances of these exceptional whiskies.

The distillery’s beautiful location, overlooking the Cromarty Firth with views of the Black Isle, adds to the magical experience of visiting this temple of whisky craftsmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dalmore?

Dalmore is a prestigious Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery with a heritage dating back to 1839. It’s renowned for producing luxury whiskies with distinctive profiles characterized by rich chocolate-orange notes, achieved through their unique distillation process and exceptional cask management program featuring rare wine and sherry casks.

Where is Dalmore located?

The Dalmore Distillery is located in Alness, Ross-shire, in the Scottish Highlands, on the shores of the Cromarty Firth. This strategic location provides the distillery with pure water sources and a coastal climate that contributes to the exceptional character of their whiskies during the maturation process.

What characterizes Dalmore?

Dalmore is characterized by its rich, complex flavor profile dominated by notes of orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and winter spices. The distillery is known for its pioneering use of exclusive wine casks for finishing, particularly rare sherry casks from González Byass. The distinctive copper stills with water-cooled condensers produce a heavier spirit that develops exceptional richness during maturation.

Where can I buy whisky from Dalmore?

You can find selected bottles from Dalmore at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our collection to include both core expressions and limited releases from this exceptional distillery, ensuring you have access to some of the finest examples of their craftsmanship. From the approachable 12 Year Old to rare vintage releases, we strive to represent the breadth and quality of Dalmore’s portfolio.