When it comes to crafting great Scotch whisky, time is of the essence. The Dalmore, renowned for its luxurious high-end Scotch, understands this perfectly and has recently expanded its masterful lineup with two new additions, The Select Edition 2005 and Select Edition 2008, both of which are poised to uphold The Dalmore's esteemed reputation.
The Dalmore Vintage Collection, now graced with these two illustrious members, exudes an air of sophistication and quality. The 2005 iteration, aged for a remarkable 18 years and priced at $499.99, proudly flaunts the distillery's "iconic chocolate and orange flavor profile." Meanwhile, the 2008 Select Edition, available at a suggested retail price of $199.99, carries forth this lineage with equal finesse.
What sets these releases apart is the meticulous five-decade-old process employed by The Dalmore. Each year, the distillery engages in a painstaking journey of precise hand selection of Scotch from the most exceptional casks. Expertly chosen casks are then harmoniously married with mature spirit, resulting in what The Dalmore describes as "one harmonious expression" - or, in this case, two.
Gregg Glass, the master whisky maker at The Dalmore, has shared his insights into these remarkable editions. He notes the 2005 expression's distinctive chocolate and citrus notes, hailing it as "a flavor experience to be remembered and savored." The 2008 edition, according to Glass, is "a beautiful example of refined elegance from The Dalmore, captured at a moment in time."
Both of these exquisite releases come in The Dalmore's signature, eye-catching bottle, nestled within a special-edition display box - a perfect presentation for a carefully curated bar cart. The distillery assures us that both expressions are emblematic of the finest qualities of The Dalmore's house style, making them ideal choices for sipping in any season.
The Dalmore's approach to creating these masterpieces goes beyond mere craftsmanship. With over five decades of tradition and expertise, the distillery relies on the casks themselves to dictate the annual cask inspection week. This time-honored practice optimally takes place in November when the casks rest in the cooler temperatures following the warmth of summer, allowing the whisky within to evolve and mature.
The Dalmore Vintage 2008
The Dalmore Vintage 2008, having spent its maturation period in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and enriched with hand-selected Matuslaem sherry and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, boasts a robust 45.8% ABV. It's described as having enticing aromas of milk chocolate, caramel, and mandarin, with tantalizing notes of manuka honey, sweet cacao, and poached apples on the palate.
The Dalmore Vintage 2005
The Dalmore Vintage 2005, on the other hand, also aged in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and enhanced with hand-selected Matusalem sherry and Vintage 2005 sherry casks, offers a higher 49.3% ABV. This expression is a sensory delight with aromas of dark chocolate and salted caramel, complemented by flavors of rich cacao, blood orange, and marzipan, among other nuanced notes.
Gregg Glass, speaking about these exceptional releases, emphasized the importance of the annual cask inspection, which ultimately leads to the creation of each year's Vintage Collection. He stated, "We can never know what time and nature has given to these whiskies until we take stock each November and see what magic has unfolded in the year. Richard and I select casks which we feel contain whiskies that exemplify The Dalmore's quality and style, with the best of the best becoming our Limited-Edition Vintages."
"For 2023," Glass continued, "we are pleased to present two whiskies which, at different ages, showcase nuances of The Dalmore's signature notes - chocolate, orange, and subtle spice. Vintage 2008 reveals naturally balanced shades and interplays of sweet cacao, fresh citrus, and soft spices, and is a beautiful example of refined elegance from The Dalmore, captured at a moment in time. Vintage 2005 has quintessential dark chocolate notes that intertwine with rich citrus, offering a flavor experience to be remembered and savored."
In summary, The Dalmore's Vintage Collection 2005 and 2008 are not just whiskies; they are a testament to the art of time, precision, and the alchemy of casks. With their alluring flavor profiles and the distillery's unwavering commitment to excellence, they are poised to become the crown jewels of any connoisseur's collection.
About The Dalmore
The Dalmore is a prestigious Scotch whisky distillery located in Alness, Scotland, in the Highland region. Founded in 1839 by Sir Alexander Matheson, The Dalmore has a long and illustrious history of producing high-quality single malt Scotch whisky. The distillery's name is derived from the Gaelic "An Dhail Mòr," which means "The Big Field," reflecting its scenic location on the banks of the Cromarty Firth.
One of the defining characteristics of The Dalmore is its dedication to crafting exceptional single malt Scotch whisky through traditional methods. The distillery uses copper pot stills, a slow fermentation process, and the finest oak casks for aging. They are particularly known for their rich and complex flavor profiles, often featuring notes of dark chocolate, orange, spices, and a well-balanced sweetness.
The Dalmore offers a wide range of expressions, each with its own unique character. Their core range includes the Dalmore 12-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old, and 18-Year-Old, which are celebrated for their quality and accessibility. The distillery also releases limited-edition and high-end expressions that have become coveted by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Visitors to The Dalmore Distillery can experience the brand's heritage and craftsmanship through guided tours and tastings. The distillery provides an opportunity to explore the production process, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and aging in a picturesque setting that showcases the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
The Dalmore's unwavering commitment to producing single malt Scotch whisky of the highest quality has made it a respected name in the world of whisky. Its dedication to traditional methods, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional flavor profiles have earned it a place of honor among whisky connoisseurs and collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship of this Highland distillery.
