The Dalmore 12 Years Old (700 ml)

The Dalmore has distilled on the Cromarty Firth since 1839, drawing process water from the River Alness — a soft, low-mineral source that preserves delicate spirit character through maturation. The distillery sits at sea level on the sheltered eastern Highland coast, where mild, humid air slows evaporation and encourages a long, gentle interaction between spirit and wood.

The 12 Year Old is built on a foundation of American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, which deliver the distillery's characteristic vanilla and dried-fruit base over the first phase of maturation. The whisky is then finished in Matusalem oloroso sherry butts — 30-year-old casks sourced from González Byass — a house finishing technique that layers dark fruit and spiced richness without overwhelming the underlying malt. Bottled at 40% ABV, chill-filtered.

What distinguishes this expression within the 12-year age bracket is the deliberate use of Matusalem butts specifically — not generic oloroso — giving a denser, more oxidative sherry influence than most entry-level Highland malts achieve. The result is a whisky that drinks with the weight and complexity more typical of older age statements in the same range.