Dalmore distillery

DALMORE DISTILLERY

Unique location

Matching the extraordinary location is a special location, the Dalmore distillery is located in Alness, Scotland, 20 miles north from Alness. It lies on the banks of the Cromarty Firth overlooking the Black Island, with the name “vast grasslands.

The water used in the Dalmore is taken from the river Alness, which runs through the small town of Alness, where the distillery is located. The waters of the river flow from the nearby Loch Morie, located deep in the heart of the Northern Highlands. The location of the Dalmore’s distillery and its smooth, floral flavor qualify it as a Highland malt.

The factory is associated with a long history.

The legend of The Dalmore dates back to 1263, when Colin of Kintail, Chief of the clan Mackenzie, saved King Alexander III of Scotland from a charging stag. As a reward the grateful King, granted Colin of Kintail the lands of Eilean Donan, the motto ‘Luceo Non Uro’, which translates to ‘I Shine, Not Burn’ and the right to use the 12-pointed Royal Stag as the Mackenzie clan crest.

The distillery was established in 1839 by entrepreneur Alexander Matheson. Andrew and Charles Mackenzie came forward, and as members of the clan Mackenzie they brought with them the iconic 12-pointed Royal Stag emblem, the caberfeidh which has adorned every bottle of The Dalmore. Operations ran fairly smoothly at the distillery until 1917, when the British Royal Navy began to use the firth next to the distillery as a site for the production of deep-sea mines. In 1920 much of the distillery was destroyed by an explosion and the fire that came as a result of a mine detonation incident. The subsequent legal battle between Andrew Mackenzie and the Royal Navy lasted over half a decade.The distillery remained family-owned until 1960 when one of Dalmore’s main customers, Whyte & Mackay, took control.

Professional production process, influential craftsman team.

The distillery prides itself on a string of visionary and influential craftsmen, setting the standards in the 175-year history that many whiskey producers follow today. The management of the casks, combined with the expertise passed down through the generations of distillers and the meticulous process of all production participants, has created a world-renowned luxury single malt.

A significant contributor to W&M’s blends, for many years Dalmore’s presence in the world of single malt was restricted to a 12-year-old expression. In recent times, however, the range has expanded dramatically, with a core range of 12, 15, 18 and 25-years-old, plus no-age-statement specialties like King Alexander III, Cigar Malt, and an ever-growing selection of luxury expressions such as the 21-strong Constellation range, and 1951 “Sirius”. Prices at the top end regularly top five figures.

To create a more complex character, selected expressions are finished in exceptional casks, showcasing woods from world-renowned bodegas and exclusive wineries. Each expression of The Dalmore is matured in two different types of wooden casks: American white oak bourbon casks and exclusive aged sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass. Each sherry cask – which is hand selected by master distiller Richard Paterson – gives the whisky a deep copper colour and flavours of crushed almonds, cinnamon, ginger and citrus. The bourbon casks give the whisky notes of vanilla, spice, honey and tropical fruits.

The Dalmore Prize.

Throughout its journey, Dalmore has reaped some valuable prizes such as: In 2009, Dalmore won 2 gold medals in San Francisco – San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009. In 2010, Dalmore 64 years bottle won the world’s most expensive Whiskey bottle prize.

Thanks to the origin of the Dalmore wine history, the unique flavor, luxurious design has made Dalmore alcohol one of the most advanced whiskey in the world.