First Impressions
The Dalmore 15 is the moment the distillery's house style — orange peel, chocolate and sherry — really clicks. Mahogany in the glass and unmistakably Dalmore on the nose.
Distillery & Heritage
Founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the northern Highlands, Dalmore has been adorned with its iconic 12-pointed royal stag emblem since 1867, when clan chief Alexander Matheson was granted the right by Queen Victoria. Master Distiller Richard Paterson — 'The Nose' — has guided Dalmore's wood policy for decades, and the 15 is one of his signature creations: matured for 12 years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, then split equally between three sherry woods (Matusalem oloroso, Apostoles and Amoroso) for a final three years before re-marrying.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The nose is opulent and Christmassy — orange marmalade, dark chocolate, raisins, cinnamon and a backbone of vanilla and toffee. The palate is silky: rich Christmas cake, Seville orange, treacle, milk chocolate, ginger and clove.
Verdict
For lovers of sherried, dessert-style Highland malts, the Dalmore 15 is a benchmark.
