The Dalmore 21 Year Old is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky from The Dalmore Distillery at Alness, on the Cromarty Firth. It is the pinnacle of The Dalmore’s Principal Collection and is released each year as a limited edition.

The whisky begins its maturation in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, which lay down a base of vanilla and honey. It is then moved into rare first-fill sherry casks that previously held 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso sherry. The casks are hand-selected for The Dalmore from the González Byass bodega in Jerez. It is bottled at 43.8% ABV.

The Dalmore 21 Year Old Tasting Notes

• Nose: Seville orange, bitter chocolate and Colombian coffee, with vanilla underneath.
• Palate: Sweet liquorice and Black Forest fruits, then roasted walnut and marzipan.
• Finish: Long. Peach, blood orange and pear tarte tatin, with a faint herbal edge.

What Is Matusalem Sherry

Matusalem is a 30-year-old Oloroso sweetened with Pedro Ximénez, made by González Byass in Jerez. Casks that have held it carry far more concentrated fruit and spice than standard sherry casks. They are the reason the 21 shows dark chocolate and dried fruit rather than fresh sherry sweetness.

The Dalmore Distillery

The Dalmore was founded in 1839 on the northern shore of the Cromarty Firth. The twelve-point stag on every bottle is the emblem of the Clan Mackenzie, who owned the distillery for more than a century. Its house style rests on two things: a citrus-rich spirit and long contact with fine sherry wood. Orange and chocolate run through the whole range. At 21 years, they are at their most complete.

Who It Suits

The 21 suits collectors who follow The Dalmore’s annual releases, and drinkers who want a mature sherried Highland malt without moving to the price of the 25 and 30 Year Old. It rewards time in the glass. Pour it neat and give it ten minutes.