The Dalmore 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky

The Dalmore 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky is a 43% ABV (86 proof), 750mL Highland single malt from Alness, Scotland, in the distillery's Principal Collection. Per The Dalmore's official product page, it is matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and in 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks — casks the producer describes as among the rarest in the world, exclusively available to its whisky makers. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.

• ABV: 43% (86 proof)
• Size: 750mL
• Age: 18 years
• Maturation: American white oak ex-bourbon casks and 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks (producer)
• Origin: The Dalmore Distillery, Alness, Highlands, Scotland
• Producer: The Dalmore (founded 1839)

The Stag of Alness

The Dalmore was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson at Alness, on the Cromarty Firth north of Inverness. Its emblem is the 12-pointed royal stag: in 1263, an ancestor of Clan Mackenzie — the family that later owned the distillery — saved King Alexander III from a charging stag and was granted the crest the bottle still carries. The 18 Year Old is the Principal Collection's study in sherry-cask depth, built on those rare Matusalem Oloroso casks. Browse more Highland malts on our whisky shelf, explore our spirits range, or visit The Dalmore vendor page.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Vanilla, dark chocolate, English marmalade and sweet liquorice, per the producer. Palate: Chocolate raisins, citrus fruits, rich coffee, nutmeg and spice. Finish: Stewed fruits and toffee.

How to Enjoy

Pour it neat in a tulip glass and give it a few minutes — the marmalade and dark chocolate build as it opens. A few drops of water will loosen the sherry-cask fruit; it needs nothing else.

Frequently Asked Questions

What casks is the 18 Year Old matured in? American white oak ex-bourbon casks and 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks, per the producer. The commonly published breakdown is 14 years in bourbon casks followed by 4 years in the sherry casks.

Why is there a stag on the bottle? It is the Clan Mackenzie crest, granted after a Mackenzie ancestor saved King Alexander III from a charging stag in 1263; the Mackenzies later owned The Dalmore and put the 12-pointed stag on its whisky.

Is this a limited edition? No — the 18 Year Old is a core Principal Collection bottling (43% ABV, 750mL US format), distinct from the one-off Select Edition 2006 18 Year Old at 47.2% ABV.

Sherry-cask Highland depth, eighteen years in the making — order The Dalmore 18 online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.