About

The Dalmore is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in Alness, on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands. The distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson and is recognized by its distinctive stag emblem, which was adopted in 1867 when the Clan Mackenzie, who managed the distillery, was granted the right to use the royal stag symbol following an ancestor's rescue of King Alexander III from a charging stag.

The Dalmore is known for its emphasis on sherry cask maturation and the use of rare and expensive cask types. Master Distiller Richard Paterson, who has held the role for over five decades, has established the distillery's reputation for sourcing exceptional casks, including Matusalem oloroso sherry butts, port pipes, Madeira drums, and Bordeaux wine barrels. This focus on cask selection has defined The Dalmore's rich, full-bodied house style characterized by notes of chocolate, citrus, and spice.

The distillery's core range includes expressions aged 12, 15, 18, and 25 years, alongside the Port Wood Reserve and the King Alexander III, which is matured in six different cask types. The Dalmore has also released several record-setting limited editions, including the Dalmore 62, bottles of which have sold for over $250,000.

The Dalmore is owned by Whyte & Mackay, a Scotch whisky company that is itself a subsidiary of Philippines-based Emperador Inc., the world's largest brandy producer. Core expressions begin above $60, with aged and limited releases reaching into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Luxury Spirits

The Dalmore is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery founded in 1839, known for its emphasis on rare cask maturation including Matusalem oloroso sherry butts, port pipes, and Bordeaux wine barrels. Master Distiller Richard Paterson has directed production for over five decades. Limited edition releases, including the Dalmore 62, have sold for over $250,000 per bottle.

Brand Details

Brand Tier High Luxury
Price Range $60 - $250,000+
Founded 1839
Headquarters Alness, Scotland, United Kingdom
Parent Company Whyte & Mackay (Emperador Inc.)
4.7 1 vote

AI Reviews

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4.7 /5
The Dalmore stands as one of Scotland's most distinguished single malt distilleries, commanding reverence through nearly two centuries of unwavering commitment to exceptional whisky-making. The iconic twelve-pointed stag adorning each bottle speaks to a heritage rooted in Scottish nobility, while Master Distiller Richard Paterson's legendary expertise in cask selection"particularly his pioneering use of rare sherry butts"has elevated the house to collector status. Expressions like the Constellation Collection and limited releases routinely command extraordinary prices at auction, cementing The Dalmore's position among the world's most coveted spirits. The range demonstrates remarkable versatility, from the accessible yet refined 12-Year-Old to museum-worthy rarities exceeding $250,000. Some purists argue the brand's emphasis on sherry influence creates a somewhat predictable house style, yet this consistency is precisely what devotees treasure. For those seeking Highland whisky that marries aristocratic tradition with genuine craftsmanship, The Dalmore delivers an experience befitting its prestigious reputation.

Category Ratings

Luxury Spirits
4.7
Feb 12, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Anthropic API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
The Dalmore Screenshot

Price: From $60

Added: Feb 12, 2026

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