Dalmore Adds 17 Year Old Scotch Whisky To Core Range

What happens when Highland whisky meets three rare Spanish sherry casks? The Dalmore's new 17 Years expression reveals the answer with González Byass casks.
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Dalmore Adds 17 Year Old Scotch Whisky To Core Range
Credit: The Dalmore

Highland single malt distillery The Dalmore has introduced a new expression to its core Principal Collection, The Dalmore Aged 17 Years. The new whisky, which has been finished in a trio of rare sherry casks from González Byass, launches today (January 28th).

The release is designed as a further exploration of the brand’s expertise in sherry cask maturation.

Its maturation begins in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, which provide a foundation of soft vanilla and honey notes.

The whisky is then transferred for a finishing period into three distinct and exclusive sherry cask types.

These casks—Amoroso, rare Apostoles, and Matusalem Oloroso—are sourced from the brand’s long-standing partner, González Byass of Jerez, Spain.

González Byass is one of Spain’s most famous sherry producers, with a history dating back to 1835.

The Dalmore states that each cask imparts its own characteristics into the spirit.

Apostoles is said to bring structure, depth, and savory complexity, while the Amoroso cask offers harmony and balance between savory and sweet flavors.

Matusalem Oloroso adds weight, roundness, and a lingering sweetness.

Official tasting notes from the brand describe aromas of Seville orange, rich orchard fruit, and wood spice.

The palate is said to have notes of poached pears, forest berries, sweet toffee, and orange marmalade.

A finish of dark chocolate orange, rich dried fruit, and lingering hints of cinnamon and nutmeg is noted.

Bottled at 42% ABV, the whisky will first be available in the UK from The Dalmore’s online boutique.

A wider global rollout to specialist retailers will follow its launch.

The Dalmore Aged 17 Years will carry a recommended retail price of $250 (£175/€200) for a 70cl bottle.

The Dalmore Distillery, founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth, has utilized sherry casks for centuries to enhance its distinctive house style.

The brand’s new make spirit is known for its robust and fruity character, with notes of chocolate and orange, which is well-suited to complex maturation.

Dalmore’s Principal Collection also includes core expressions such as The Dalmore 12, 15, and 18 Year Old, alongside the super-premium The Dalmore 25 Year Old and King Alexander III.

The Dalmore Aged 17 Years is presented in a purple box with a magnetic closure, and is housed in the distillery’s signature bottle, adorned with the iconic 12-point silver stag emblem.

The stag was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland, and it became the distillery’s symbol when clan descendants took over in 1878.

Mark Littler

Mark Littler is the owner and editor in chief of the Whiskey Wash. He is also the owner of Mark Littler LTD, a prominent whisky and antiques brokerage service in the United Kingdom. Mark is a well known voice in the whisky industry and has a regular column at Forbes.com and has a popular YouTube channel devoted to everything whisky.

Mark completed the purchase of The Whiskey Wash in late 2023.

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