The Dalmore 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Dalmore 12 Year Single Malt is the anchor expression of one of Scotland's most distinctive Highland distilleries — produced at Alness on the banks of the Cromarty Firth since 1839, and defined by a dual-cask maturation process that produces some of the richest, most dessert-forward single malt in the Highland category.

The 12-year follows Dalmore's signature maturation approach: nine years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks to build the base sweetness and vanilla structure, then a split finish — half the spirit moves to ex-Matusalem oloroso sherry casks for the final three years. The Matusalem sherry is a sweeter, richer style than the oloroso used by many Speyside distilleries, which is what gives Dalmore 12 its characteristic marmalade, dark chocolate, and espresso character.

The stag's head on the label references the Mackenzie clan crest. At 40% ABV the 12-year is immediately approachable and pairs exceptionally well with dark chocolate and strong cheese. Browse the full Dalmore collection at Wooden Cork.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich and warming — marmalade, dark chocolate, caramelised orange, vanilla, and a hint of espresso
• Palate: Full and rounded — chocolate orange, warm Christmas spice, ripe plum, and buttery toffee
• Finish: Long and satisfying with lingering spice, dark fruit, and bittersweet cocoa

Specs

• Distillery: The Dalmore, Alness, Ross-shire, Highland
• Region: Northern Highland, Scotland
• Age Statement: 12 Years
• Cask Type: American white oak (9 years) then Matusalem oloroso sherry casks (3 years)
• ABV: 40%
• Size: 750ml

Explore the full Scotch whisky collection at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Dalmore 12 heavily sherried?

It is rich and fruit-forward but the sherry influence at the 12-year level is balanced rather than dominant — the Matusalem sherry cask adds depth and chocolate character without overwhelming the base spirit.

How does Dalmore 12 compare to Macallan 12 Sherry Oak?

Dalmore 12 is more chocolate and citrus-driven with a Northern Highland weight. Macallan 12 Sherry Oak is richer in dried fruit and spice with characteristic Speyside refinement. Both are sherry-influenced but in distinctly different styles.