NV Dalmore, Highland Single Malt Constellation Collection Cask No 7 45YO, Highlands 1x70cl

The Dalmore: Cask Finishing Pioneers

Dalmore is a Highland distillery founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson. In 1867, it was sold to Andrew and Charles Mackenzie and remained family-owned until 1960, when Whyte & Mackay took over, and they have remained in charge to this day. Dalmore’s warehouses are known to house some of the oldest whiskies in the world. Amazingly, it has an overall capacity of 65,000 casks. These are whiskies that are known for having orange, marmalade and even chocolate notes across their expressions. This is due to the combination and influence of casks used to age the whiskies.

Richard ‘The Nose’ Paterson + Dalmore – The Perfect Blend

In more recent times, Dalmore has become linked with one of the icons of the whisky world, Master Distiller Richard Paterson. He has been a pioneer in the way whisky is cask finished to create a great number of different expressions. All Dalmore whiskies will be matured in at least two different types of cask, one being an ex-Bourbon American oak cask and the other being an aged Sherry cask sourced from Gonzalez Byass. Each Sherry cask is personally chosen by Richard himself, and it is this specific cask finishing that he has made himself so well-known for.

The distillery has also become famous for its different wine cask finishes. This has led to a number of limited editions and rare expressions. These are often aged for extended periods, showcasing the distillery’s mastery of cask ageing.

The Jewel in the Whyte & Mackay Portfolio

Paterson’s personality has loomed large over Dalmore for nearly 50 years, since he joined in 1975. Whisky Advocate magazine noted that ‘he has almost singlehandedly made Dalmore – the jewel of Whyte & Mackay’s portfolio – one of the most collectable whiskies in the world.’ Whiskies from Dalmore were a major part of Whyte & Mackay’s blends for many years. This was until the distillery introduced a significant range of single malts.