The Stag is an emblem that adorns several famous distilleries and at least two to most; one the Glenfiddich, meant to represent the “Valley of the Deer” while the other, the Dalmore – with its Stag and its 12 point antlers bravely embellished as part of their branding, an ode to a legacy that dates back to 1263!

“The emblem was bestowed upon Colin of Kintail, the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie, after he saved the life of King Alexander III of Scotland from the fury of a charging stag.” *

The Dalmore distillery was founded in 1839, and soon enough, by 1867, it was taken over by the descendants of this very same Clan Mackenzie a few decades later. It was this change of ownership that also paved the way in forever forging the emblem on each and every bottle that made its way out of the distillery.

The expression stands tall in the realm of sherried whiskes, standing amongst the likes of The Glendronachs, The Macallens, and The Aberlours, just to name a few. Aged in American ex-bourbon barrels for 12 years and finished in ex-Olorroso sherry casks, the spirit is highly decorated, coming in with a strong fan following and an equally robust foundation – aka Richard Patterson, the distilleries’ master distiller!

ABV : 40%

Eye : Tawny | Artificial Colouring

Nose : Caramel fused into rum with raisins and charred wood; red apples, dried fruits and plums are intertwined with crushed bay leaves, pepper corns and leathered notes along with hints of milk chocolate.

Taste : Deep notes of caramel drizzle and chocolate, paired with christmas cake and  rum soaked sultanas. Woodied notes with the subtleness of cardamom, vanilla and spice.

Finish : Medium to long |Dried fruits, chocolate and caramel, woody nuances with a warm tapering feel.

The Dalmore 12 is thick and well bodied, highlighting the use of possibly heavier and older spirits in the concoction of their 12 year old elixir. It delivers great breadth and complexity, leaving you reminiscing a very satisfying and settling experience. Its influence from the sherried casks have rightly embellished the whisky, adding layers of flavours that will entice and please any sherry lover.

At AUD $140 for its 1 litre offering, it does command a premium, but you could excuse this for the richness it brings to the table. Certainly an expression that is very much worth taking space in your cabinet, but not a daily sipper.  The Dalmore might be expensive but is still very worth every sniff, sip and swirl!

Preference : Being a sherry-condensed spirit, I see no harm in adding a few drops or chucking in a rock or two. Although I would be more inclined to go with the former if given a choice between the two!

Slainte!

*Referenced from the official Dalmore website.