Dalmore 15 Years Review

Country: Scotland 

Region: Highland 

Brand: The Dalmore

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Age:  15 Years

ABV:  40 %

Colour: Dark Amber/Mahogany (Artificially Coloured) 

Nose: Quite a Rich and Full Nose with very defined notes of Malt, Orange, Chocolate, Sherry, Oak, Nuts, Dried Fruits like Raisins and Sultanas, Brown Sugar, Treacle, Toffee/Butterscotch, Honey and a light presence of Sulphur. The Fruits in the background include Pineapple and Pear. Black Espresso to round it all off.

Palate: Follows the Nose with Malted Barley, Orange, Caramel, Raisins, Sherry, Oak, Almonds and Spices like Ginger and Cloves. Some hints of Aniseed, Lemon, Coffee and Licorice.

Finish: Sweet at first but quickly becoming Dry with Malt, Caramel, Oak, Toffee, Pepper, Nuts, Black Espresso and Chocolate.

I added a bit of Water and the Nose becomes more Fruity and quite Malty. Lots of Honey, Toffee and Butterscotch as well. Palate and Finish do not improve. You can certainly play with a bit of Water but be careful not to overdo it.

Rating: 85.5

Nose: 22 - Taste: 21 - Finish: 21 - Overall: 21.5

General Remarks: In 1263,King Alexander III was almost gored by a mighty Stag. One of the ancestors of the Mackenzie Clan saved him with a single arrow shot. As a reward the Clan won the right to bear a Stag's Head with twelve (Royal) points to its antlers in their Coat of Arms. The Mackenzie Family later became the owners of The Dalmore Distillery and added the Stag emblem to their bottles. The Distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson and is located in the town of Alness in the Northern Highlands. It's currently in the possession of United Spirits from India, the owners of Whyte & Mackay. The Diageo Group is bidding to buy United Spirits at the moment. The 15 Years was released in 2007. It matured for 12 years in American White Oak Ex-Bourbon Casks and was finished for another 3 years in three different Ex-Sherry Butts namely Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso. It costs around 70 US Dollars.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good 

Conclusion: Well-Crafted Single Malt although it should have been bottled at 43% or higher. High concentration of Malt, Sherry, Chocolate and Orange. If you dig that, the Dalmore 15 will not disappoint you. I find it tasteful, slightly better than the 12 Years but a bit one-sided. Love the Espresso note though!

Jan van den Ende                                                                      April 26, 2013