The Dalmore releases 45-year-old single malt

by Amy Hopkins

Luxury single malt Scotch The Dalmore will this year launch a 45-year-old expression costing US$12,500.

The Dalmore 45 contains some of the distillery’s “rarest aged stocks” selected by master distiller Richard Paterson. The whisky has been matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks before being transferred to two different Graham’s Port Colheita pipes, dating from 1961 and 1963. The liquid was then married together in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks. Bottled at 40% abv, The Dalmore 45 is said to have a flavour of red berries, soft liquorice, crushed hazelnuts, bitter chocolate and Manuka honey, followed by sweet notes of sticky toffee pudding, Bramley apples and dates. The expression is presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter featuring The Dalmore’s Royal Stag emblem, produced by Royal Warrant holder Hamilton & Inches. Paterson said: “By personally selecting the very finest American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and Port Colheita Pipes from 1961 and 1963, I have been able to create a truly unique expression which is indulgent and smooth with a vibrant and lively flavour profile. “It takes time, dedication and passion to create an expression like The Dalmore 45 and age has gracefully matured this distinguished spirit to make it one of The Dalmore’s greatest aged spirits.” Just 500 bottles of The Dalmore 45 will be released globally. Last year, The Dalmore Paterson Collection – which at almost £1m was the most expensive collection of Scotch whiskies available anywhere in the world – was sold to an unnamed Chinese collector.