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Everything you need to know about Dalmore Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Dalmore 1263 King Alexander III Whisky£549.99 Inc VAT -
Dalmore 21 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whisky 2015£694.99 Inc VAT -
Dalmore 16 Year Old Highland Whisky Luminary No.2 2024 Edition£499.99 Inc VAT -
Dalmore 19 Year Old Single Cask Whisky #9417 1990 First Cask£299.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Dalmore, Highland Region, Scotland. Founded in 1839
The Highland Icon with a Sherry-Soaked Soul
Let’s not beat around the cask: Dalmore is whisky with swagger. From the iconic silver stag on the bottle to the lush, sherry-drenched flavour, it’s a dram that likes to show off a bit — and honestly, it has every right to.
Founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Northern Highlands, Dalmore has long been associated with opulence, rich cask influence, and some pretty jaw-dropping price tags on their oldest bottlings. But even the core range — from the smooth 12-Year-Old to the decadent King Alexander III — delivers serious flavour.
The key to Dalmore’s character is its deep relationship with sherry casks. We’re talking about Matusalem Oloroso casks from González Byass in Spain — not your average seasoning job. It’s this dedication to full-flavoured maturation that gives Dalmore its unmistakable signature: bold, rich, and velvety.
Flavour Profile: Decadent, Dark, and Dangerously Sippable
This isn’t a whisky that whispers. Dalmore walks in wearing a velvet jacket and holding a cigar. If you like your dram rich, spicy, and a bit indulgent, this is your kind of pour.
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Fruity |
Rich / Chocolatey | Spicy |
Dalmore is known for its luxurious, full-bodied Highland single malts — matured in high-quality sherry and wine casks. Key flavour characteristics include:
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Bold sherry sweetness, raisins, and orange peel
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Dark chocolate, clove, nutmeg, and espresso
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Vanilla pods and warm oak
- Long, warming finishes with a rich texture
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Dried Fruits (Raisins, Figs, Dates) |
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Dark Chocolate / Cocoa |
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Cinnamon / Clove |
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Vanilla |
Popular Bottlings from Dalmore
| Expression | Cask Style | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dalmore 12 Year Old | Bourbon & Sherry | Orange marmalade, nutmeg, dark chocolate |
| Dalmore 15 Year Old | Three sherry cask finishes | Fig, cinnamon, rich coffee, spiced fruitcake |
| Dalmore Cigar Malt | Sherry, bourbon, Cabernet wine | Full-bodied – ripe plums, chocolate, smoky oak |
| Dalmore Port Wood Reserve | Tawny port cask finish | Red berries, toffee, cocoa, redcurrant tart |
| King Alexander III | Six cask types | Complex layers of wine, sherry, madeira, port, bourbon and marsala |
Whether you want smooth and subtle or full-throttle flavour layering, Dalmore has a dram that’ll make you feel just a bit fancier.
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The Distillery
Dalmore Distillery
Dalmore Distillery, Alness, Ross-shire, IV17 0UT, Scotland
 Open in maps |
 Dalmore UK |
 01349 882362 |
Visitor Information
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Address: Dalmore Distillery, Alness, Ross-shire, IV17 0UT, Scotland
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Telephone: Typically open for general inquiries
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Visitor Centre:
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Yes – limited slots, but very stylish
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Guided tours with tastings of both core and premium ranges
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Shop offers exclusive bottlings and limited releases
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Not the easiest to reach, but worth the detour if you’re in the Highlands
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Ownership and Background
Current Owner:
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Whyte & Mackay (owned by Philippines-based Emperador Inc.)
Timeline Snapshot:
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1839: Founded by Alexander Matheson
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1867: Clan Mackenzie takes over — hence the stag emblem
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20th Century: Becomes part of Whyte & Mackay’s portfolio
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2000s–Present: Focus on premium releases and rich cask maturation
They’re known for releasing ultra-aged whiskies that fetch eye-watering sums — but even the standard range feels like something special.
Distillery Facts
History and Location
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Founded: Established in 1881 by William Robertson and the Greenlees brothers.
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First Production: Began in 1883.
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Name Meaning: Derived from Gaelic, meaning "mouth of the river."
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Setting: Located on the northeast coast of Islay, overlooking the Sound of Islay. Originally accessible only by sea, now reached by single-track road.
Ownership and Capacity
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Current Owner: Owned by Distell Group, a South African drinks company.
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Previous Owners: Has passed through multiple owners including Highland Distillers and Burn Stewart.
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Production Capacity: Around 3.3 million litres of alcohol per year, making it one of the larger Islay distilleries.
Production Details
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Stills: Two large wash stills and two spirit stills with tall necks for a lighter spirit.
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Water Source: Draws its water from the Margadale Spring.
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Fermentation: Utilizes long fermentation times, often exceeding 60 hours.
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Warehousing: Matured in traditional dunnage warehouses at sea level, providing a maritime influence.
Whisky Style and Characteristics
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Peat Level: Known for producing unpeated or very lightly peated whiskies, which is unusual for Islay.
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Maturation: Heavy use of Oloroso sherry casks, often first-fill, adding rich, fruity, and nutty flavors.
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Flavor Profile: Typically creamy, malty, nutty, and maritime with hints of salt, spice, and dried fruit.
Core Range and Releases
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Standard Range: Includes 12, 18, 25, 30, and 40-year-old age-stated expressions.
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Other Releases: Includes Stiuireadair (sherry-focused) and Toiteach A Dhà (lightly peated).
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Single Cask and Limited Editions: Offers exclusive bottlings through its Warehouse 9 and Coterie club selections.
Distillery and Community
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Community Ties: Many employees are from families who have worked at the distillery for generations.
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Visitor Experience: Offers tours, tastings, and cask sampling, with a renovated visitor centre reopened in 2021.
Sustainability and Development
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Modernization: Recent investments have improved energy efficiency and enhanced the distillery's appearance.
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Traditional Practices: Maintains classic distillation techniques while slowly modernizing infrastructure.
Dalmore Whisky to Buy
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