Dalmore expands vintage collection
Scotch brand The Dalmore has unveiled The Vintage Collection 2024, comprising two whiskies distilled in 2006 and 2009.
The Dalmore Vintage 2009 was initially aged in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels, followed by a dual finish in matusalem Sherry casks from González Byass and 10-year-old tawny Port pipes from Graham's. The distillery enjoys an exclusive partnership with the two winemakers, as initially showcased in the first two editions of The Dalmore’s Cask Curation Series, released in 2023 and 2024. Gregg Glass, master whisky maker at Dalmore, shared his thoughts on the 2009 vintage: “This is a rich and decadent whisky from The Dalmore where the sweet malt, soft fruit, and citrus flavour characteristics of The Dalmore are enhanced by the influences of sweet vanilla, creamy caramel, and gentle gingerbread. “This unique spirit was first finessed in 30-year-old matusalem oloroso Sherry casks from our exclusive partner González Byass, which gives a touch of antique oak to the whisky. The whisky spends a further period in 10-year-old tawny Port pipes, sourced from our partner, Graham’s Port, which provides those dark plum, Manuka honey, and gentle wood spice elements. “The Dalmore Vintage 2009 is best savoured with a splash of water, unless preferred over ice, or at bottle strength, and would pair excellently with game meats or a fruit-forward dessert.” The second expression, The Dalmore Vintage 2006, is an 18-year-old single malt matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels and finished in matusalem oloroso and amoroso Sherry casks. Glass commented on the 2006 vintage: “This exquisite whisky has deep vanilla, sweet caramel, and honey notes from its maturation in first-fill American white oak ex-Bourbon. These flavours have been interwoven with antique notes, offered by finishing in those exclusively sourced, 30-year-old matusalem oloroso Sherry casks and 30-year-old amoroso Sherry casks. “Dark chocolate, rich berries, and wood spice are present from the influence of the matusalem casks, while Sherry-soaked raisins, and slightly drier, more aromatic, almost herbal notes are offered from the amoroso casks." He concluded: “The result is sumptuous, warming layers of flavour, interweaving to create this rich and robust single malt whisky. The Dalmore Vintage 2006 would pair well with Spanish tapas, a cheeseboard or something sweeter like dark chocolate truffles. As with the 2009 Vintage, savour this whisky with a splash of water, over ice, or neat, as per your preference.” Both vintages are limited releases, non-chill-filtered and bottled at specially chosen ABVs: the 2009 at 48.9% and the 2006 at 47.2%. The Dalmore Vintages Collection is available in select specialists and retailers from this month (November). The RRP is £173 (US$225) for the 2009 vintage and £403 (US$500) for the 2006 vintage. The Vintage Collection The annual Dalmore Vintage Collection showcases the distillery's signature character and celebrates a whisky-making tradition that dates back more than 50 years. For the last five decades, every November The Dalmore whisky makers personally assess and nose the casks in each of the warehouses at the distillery in Alness. According to the distillery team, November is the optimum time to assess its casks. After the warmer summer months, the cooling temperature 'allows the spirit to shine'. Only a few casks are hand-selected annually to be considered for the vintage collection for the year ahead. Those deemed the finest at each age, 15 and 18, become part of the next Vintage Collection release. The Dalmore Vintages Collection will also be available and referred to as ‘The Dalmore Select Editions’ in the US. The brand also recently revealed two other whisky series, The Distillery Select, which celebrated its Highland home, and The Portfolio Series, which celebrates young Scottish artists.
