This is a 33-year-old Dalmore distilled in 1978 and released by the independent label Scotia Royale rather than by the distillery itself. Only 210 bottles were filled, at 40.5% ABV, making it a rare chance to taste long-aged Dalmore outside the official range.
About This Whisky
Distilled in 1978, the whisky was bottled after 33 years by Scotia Royale in an outturn of 210 bottles. Its strength, 40.5%, shows that the cask had drifted down close to the legal minimum over three decades, which usually means a soft, mellow texture. The cask type is not stated.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Seville orange marmalade, dark treacle and rosewood, with cigar box, fig and a hint of mocha
- Palate: Soft and mellow, with orange peel, toffee, dried fruit and polished oak
- Finish: Medium-long and gently dry, with citrus oil, cocoa and old wood
Serving & Food
Serve neat at room temperature in a nosing glass; at 40.5% water and ice would only thin it. After dinner with dark chocolate, candied orange peel or a cigar.
How to Enjoy
Anyone after a rare, long-aged Highland malt from an independent bottler.
Product Details
Distillery: The Dalmore
Bottler: Scotia Royale (independent bottling)
Vintage: 1978
Age: 33 years old
Outturn: 210 bottles
Style: Highland single malt Scotch whisky
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
ABV: 40.5% ABV
Volume: 700mL
About the Distillery
Dalmore was set up in 1839 by Alexander Matheson at Alness, looking out over the Cromarty Firth in the northern Highlands. The Mackenzie family ran it for many years, and their stag's head still marks the official bottles. Whyte & Mackay has been the owner since 1960.
Dalmore's spirit is weighty and fruity, with a citrus core that holds up well to long maturation. The distillery's official releases lean heavily on sherry finishing, so independent bottlings like this one offer a different angle on the same spirit.