Highland single malt whisky distillery The Dalmore has revealed plans to add three new expressions to its Dalmore Fortuna Meritas Collection. This travel retail focused series already has one bottling in it, the Valour, and all four are said to be a tribute “to the brand’s history; celebrating the brave act of the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie who saved the life of King Alexander III, and the rewards which he received in return.”
The bottlings of the collection, which now include Regalis, Luce, and Dominium, will be available this spring in European travel retail, according to the distillery. More details on each, including Valour, are at the end of this story.
“For this collection I looked to our long standing and unique partnership with Gonzalez Byass as this allowed me to draw from rare, rich and valuable sherry casks,” said Richard Paterson, The Dalmore Master Distiller, in a statement. “I was able to create a different and unique finish for each whisky, giving each of them a rich and complex flavour, but with their own nuances and individual flair.”
The Dalmore Valour
Valour means courage, and it is at the very heart of The Dalmore story. In 1263, the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie bravely saved King Alexander III of Scotland from the fury of a charging stag. The grateful King granted the Clan three rewards – the right to use the a 12-pointed Royal Stag in their coat of arms, the motto ‘Luceo Non Uro,’ and the lands of Kintail.
Wood Finish: American White Oak, 30 years old Matusalem oloroso sherry and Port Pipes
Aroma: Ripe plums, citrus fruits and creamy caramel
Palate: Candied orange, pineapple and chocolate fudge
Finish: Black forest fruits, coconut, figs and marzipan
ABV: 40%
RSP: £60 / €75
The Dalmore Regalis
The name Regalis means royal, or regal, which is befitting to The Dalmore as the 12-pointed Royal Stag adorns every bottle.
In 1263 the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie bravely saved King Alexander III of Scotland from the fury of a charging stag and in recognition of this noble act the grateful King granted the Clan Mackenzie the right to use the emblem in their coat of arms. When ancestors of the Clan took control of The Dalmore distillery in 1867, they took with them this striking icon which has since adorned each bottle of The Dalmore, symbolising its regal legacy.
Wood Finish: American White Oak and Amoroso sherry
Aroma: Mulled wine, exotic fruits, marzipan, sweet syrups and toffee
Palate: Treacle toffee, roasted walnuts, pecan cake and Manuka honey
Finish: Maraschino cherries, espresso coffee, liquorice and vanilla
ABV: 40%
RSP: £67 / € 91
The Dalmore Luceo
Luceo literally means “I Shine” and is taken from the motto ‘Luceo Non Uro – I Shine, Not Burn’ of the Clan Mackenzie who were owners of The Dalmore Distillery.
Wood Finish: American White Oak and Apostoles
Aroma: Cognac soaked Madeira cake, tangy fruits, treacle tart, crushed almonds and praline chocolate
Palate: Parkin cake, pistachios, plums, frangipan, Colombian coffee and Sanguinello blood oranges
Finish: Maple syrup, Demerara sugar, sweet muscatel and gingerbread
ABV: 40%
RSP: £75 / € 105
The Dalmore Dominium
Dominium means domain, or ownership. In 1263, the King not only granted his saviour the use of the Royal Stag emblem but also as further reward for this brave and noble act, the grateful King granted the Clan dominion over the land of Kintail in the West Highlands.
Wood Finish: American White Oak and 30 years old Matusalem sherry
Aroma: Sweet fruits, sandalwood, lemon tart, honey, caramel coffee and a hint of liquorice spice
Palate: Sherry soaked raisins, black toffee and banana cake
Finish: Treacle tart, pineapple, Oxford marmalade, ginger spice and dates
ABV: 43%
RSP: £99 / € 135