The Dalmore

ScotlandHighlandSherry

Founded1839

DistilleryHighland · Alness

OwnerWhyte & Mackay

StyleSingle Malt · Sherry

Emblem12-point stag

Core12 · 15 · 18 · King Alexander III

A sherry-leaning luxury Highland — the single malt under the 12-point stag.

Flavourofficial / critical

OrangeDark chocolateSherryCoffeeSpiceDried fruit

Glossaryfor beginners

Single maltWhisky made at one distillery from malted barley only.

Sherry caskAn oak cask that held Spanish sherry; Dalmore uses Matusalem oloroso casks from the house of González Byass.

12-point stagThe legendary crest said to be granted by a Scottish king; the emblem on every Dalmore bottle.

King Alexander IIIDalmore's flagship, finished in six cask types — wine, Madeira, sherry, Marsala, port and bourbon.

Range & Collections

12yoBourbon and oloroso sherry casks together. A rich orange-and-chocolate sweetness.

15yoThree sherry casks deepen the spice and dried fruit.

King Alexander IIIFinished in six cask types — a no-age-statement luxury expression.

18 · Cigar MaltAged, sherry-rich premium lines.

Constellation · Decades · LimitedUltra-aged and vintage collector ranges.

Value by AgeData-based2026.6 as of

12yoCore · entry~£55

18yoSherry premium~£250

King Alexander IIISix-cask luxury~£180

★ 62yoNear auction-record · Ultra-rare vintage£125,000+

The Dalmore 62 has contended for the highest price ever paid at whisky auction, changing hands in the low hundreds of thousands of pounds. Prestige sherry casks, aged vintages and a luxury positioning make Dalmore the 'collector's Highland'. The name of master distiller Richard Paterson — 'The Nose' — adds to the draw.

Prices are approximate retail / duty-free · Auction prices highly volatile · Not a personal tasting score

How It’s Made

Beyond bourbon casks, Dalmore's core is González Byass Matusalem oloroso sherry wood. The result is a rich, heavy sweetness of orange, dark chocolate and coffee. The higher the range climbs, the more it layers older sherry casks and multiple finishes — six cask types in King Alexander III — a sherry-led luxury Highland.

Leaning on sherryIt uses González Byass Matusalem oloroso sherry casks, making a rich orange-and-chocolate sweetness its identity.

The 12-point stagEvery bottle carries the crest, said to be granted in thanks for saving a Scottish king.

The NoseMaster distiller Richard Paterson has shaped Dalmore's aroma through decades of sherry-cask matching.

Luxury positioningHigh-end lines like King Alexander III and Constellation aim squarely at the premium market.

History

Founded in 1839 by the river at Alness in the Highlands. The 12-point stag crest comes from a legend that the Mackenzie family was granted it for saving a Scottish king; today it is owned by Whyte & Mackay (under the Philippines' Emperador). Master distiller Richard Paterson is the brand's face.

How It’s Drunk

In the US and UK, Dalmore reads as a rich, sherried luxury malt — a step toward the prestige end, often chosen as a gift. Its heavy orange-and-chocolate sweetness speaks to lovers of Macallan, and the stag and high-end lines lend a formal air. It suits those who prefer deep, dark sweetness over light and fresh.

◆The Right GlassSignature

To bring out the dense sherry sweetness, a glass that gathers the aroma — a Glencairn or copita — is the standard. The 12 and 18 are around 40%, needing little water, and a large cube tends to close the nose, so neat serves better. Heavy of aroma, hold it by the base; cup the bowl to warm it if it stays shut.

→ Copita vs Glencairn → Whisky Glass Etiquette