Discovering The Dalmore Distillery: World Class Highland Whisky

Tucked away in the Highlands, The Dalmore Distillery is a prime example of Scotland's rich whisky-making heritage. Situated in Alness, not far from Inverness, the distillery's grounds are as impressive as the whisky produced inside.

The distillery's name, "Dalmore," translates to "big meadowland" in Scottish Gaelic, a reflection of the postcard-worthy landscape that surrounds it. History and tradition are a large part of this distillery's charm – The Dalmore has been crafting incredible whisky for over a century.

The History of The Dalmore Distillery

The Dalmore was established in 1839 by entrepreneur Alexander Matheson and has been producing high-quality single-malt whisky ever since.

Even The Dalmore's logo – a 12-point Royal Stag – has fascinating origins. The icon was first introduced in 1867 when Clan Mackenzie took over the production. Colin of Kintail, the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie, was granted the emblem after he saved King Alexander III from a charging stag.

An Explosive End to the Mackenzie’s Ownership

In 1917, the British Royal Navy began to use the nearby firth (a narrow inlet) as a production site for deep-sea mines. But it wasn't long until disaster struck. An explosion – the result of a rogue mine detonation – destroyed much of the distillery in 1920.

What followed was a long and arduous legal battle between the Mackenzies and the Royal Navy, spanning more than half a decade. Then, in 1960, beverage giant Whyte & Mackay took over from the Mackenzie family and have been in charge of operations ever since.

The Distillery’s Unique Maturation Process

The distillery's Highland location comes in handy. Water from the River Averon, which flows from Loch Morie in the Northern Highlands, helps contribute to the whisky's smooth – and slightly floral – flavour.

But there’s no doubt that the secret to The Dalmore's success lies in its distinctive maturation process. The whisky ages in two types of wooden casks: first, an American white oak bourbon cask and then an exclusive aged sherry cask from Gonzalez Byass. 

Each sherry cask has been hand-selected by Richard Paterson, the master blender at The Dalmore who has earned the nickname "The Nose," thanks to his expertise.

Record-Breaking Whisky Sales

The Dalmore has beaten several elusive records over the years, with rare bottles fetching huge sums at auctions and exclusive releases. In 2010, the distillery introduced the Dalmore Trinitas – just three bottles were produced! Two of these bottles would go on to sell for £100,000 each. 

Later, in 2013, The Dalmore revealed the Paterson Collection, a 12-bottle set that would go on sale for a whopping £987,500 at Harrods. It finally sold in 2017.

The Dalmore: Top Picks

The Dalmore's core whisky range includes 12, 15, 18, and 25-year-old expressions, plus specialty offerings that are highly sought after by collectors. Here are The Whisky Stock's favourites:

• The Dalmore 12 is one of the distillery's classics, matured primarily in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and then finished in Sherry casks. Expect vanilla and honey flavours, followed by complex notes of dried fruit, warm spices, and a hint of rich chocolate. This whisky is ideal for those who appreciate a well-rounded single malt that still delivers depth and elegance.
• The Dalmore 15 is another of the distillery’s quintessential whiskies. Flavour-wise, enjoy vanilla with caramelised orange and dark chocolate for the perfect balance of sweet, rich, and spicy. After its initial maturation, the whisky is finished in three different types of sherry casks: Apostoles Sherry casks, Amoroso Sherry casks, and Matusalem Oloroso Sherry casks. The result is a complex flavour profile and a deeply layered whisky.
• The Dalmore 18 is the perfect choice if you want to enjoy the distillery's signature sherry influence. The whisky ages in American white oak barrels before transferring to Matusalem Oloroso Sherry casks. Sourced from renowned Spanish sherry house González Byass, these are elusive casks that only The Dalmore has access to.
• The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve is a smooth and indulgent whisky finessed in aged Tawny Port pipes. These large barrels previously held Port wine, which infuse the whisky with deep red berry flavours, dark chocolate notes, and a velvety mouthfeel. The perfect choice for those who enjoy bold, wine-finished whiskies with a touch of sweetness.
• The Dalmore King Alexander III is a stellar addition to the distillery's lineup. Its distinctive and luxurious flavour is a result of its maturation in six different types of casks – each of which has previously held a different type of spirit or wine. This whisky blends the best of bourbon, sherry, and wine for notes of dried fruits, spice, chocolate, c itrus, and deep oak richness.

Ready to discover the distillery’s full range of whiskies? Head to The Whisky Stock’s Dalmore collection to find your new favourite dram.

The Dalmore Distillery Today

Today, Dalmore continues to exude excellence by producing single malt whiskies famed worldwide for their exceptional quality.

Ordinarily, guests are welcomed into the distillery for fun and informative tours. However, The Dalmore estate is currently closed to visitors while undergoing a major renovation. A sparkling new experience will be unveiled in late 2025.