The Dalmore "1263 King Alexander III"

Distillery: Dalmore

Region: Highlands

Age: Not specified

Maturation Cask: Various

Bottler: Distillery

Strength: 40%

Volume: 70cl

Tasting Notes

Colour: Golden mahogany.

Aroma: Almonds, berries, plums, hint of treacle.

Taste: Sherry, plum, vanilla and toffee.

Finish: Dry & spicy, wine-like aftertaste.

To make this Dalmore King Alexander III, Master Distiller Richard Paterson has selected a range of differently-aged malts matured in a mixure of French wine casks, Madeira drums, Sherry butts, Marsala barrels, Port pipes and Bourbon barrels from Kentucky. A remarkable feat of blending. When united, the individual characteristics of each work together to form a rich, deep spirit that has won Silver at the IWSC 2008 awards and the 2009 Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Dalmore 18 year old

Distillery: Dalmore

Region: Highlands

Age: 18 years

Maturation Cask: American oak & Matusalem sherry

Bottler: Distillery

Strength: 43%

Volume: 70cl

Tasting Notes

Colour: Pale amber.

Aroma: Very winey, with chocolate, malt & orange.

Taste: Balanced & antique, lavender, orange & oak.

Finish: Short but bold, cloves and dried orange.

A new addition to the Dalmore family in 2009, the 18 year old has a limited first release of 3,000 bottles worldwide. This expression was initially matured in American white oak before being moved to Matusalem sherry butts to complete it's maturation.

The Dalmore 15 year old

Distillery: Dalmore

Region: Highlands

Age: 15 years

Maturation Cask: Sherry

Bottler: Distillery

Strength: 40%

Volume: 70cl

Tasting Notes

Colour: Dark gold.

Aroma: Sweet, with toffee, vanilla, Sherry & orange.

Taste: Christmas spices, lush malt, dry ginger.

Finish: Long & progressively drying, vanilla hints.

Fifteen years in bespoke Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso sherry butts from Jerez de la Frontera have been elemental in influencing this malt. The redolence of these vessels delivers the perfect balance between spirit, wood and maturity. Potent and robust, this IWSC 2008 Silver Award winner delivers a rich and aromatic taste experience.

The Dalmore "Gran Reserva"

Distillery: Dalmore

Region: Highland

Age: Not specified

Maturation Cask: 2/3 Oloroso sherry, 1/3 Bourbon

Bottler: Distillery

Strength: 40%

Volume: 70cl

Tasting Notes

Colour: Dark gold.

Aroma: Malt, Sherry, chocolate-orange and coffee.

Taste: Zesty orange, spice, Sherry and fruitcake.

Finish: Long - coffee, Sherry & restrained vanilla.

Made from a selection of the most intense 10 to 15 year old, all drawn from first-fill oaken casks, the Gran Reserva combines whiskies from both Oloroso sherry butts and Bourbon barrels, further fused together over six months in upstanding sherry butts. This IWSC 2008 Bronze Award winner delivers an enhanced intense taste experience with a sweet finish.

The Dalmore 12 year old

Distillery: Dalmore

Region: Highland

Age: 12 years

Maturation Cask: Bourbon & Spanish sherry combined

Bottler: Distillery

Strength: 40%

Volume: 70cl

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep gold mahogany.

Aroma: Citrus, almonds and a hint of marzipan.

Taste: Marmalade, fruit cake and slight coffee.

Finish: Zesty, of oranges and lemon peel.

Judicious selection and the precise balance of American white oak and Oloroso sherry wood delivers this vibrant IWSC 2008 Bronze award winner - robust, yet elegant, with an aftertaste of brilliant complexity.

Isle of Jura 1974 Vintage

Distillery: Isle of Jura

Region: Island

Age: 30 years

Maturation Cask: Bourbon, finished in Matusalem Sherry

Bottler: Distillery

Strength: 44.5%

Volume: 70cl

Tasting Notes

Colour: Amber gold with dense copper highlights.

Aroma: Cinnamon, chocolate, orange and coffee.

Taste: Madeira, Liquorice, almonds and treacle.

Finish: Long, soft memories of marzipan and treacle.

658. That's how few bottles of Isle of Jura 1974 came into existence. And it's as rare as it is good, which is why the number available is decreasing fast. Usually the Scotch whiskies from the Isle of Jura distillery don't like sherry wood. It's too heavy. But when you get it to a grand old age, like the 1974, the whisky can handle the stronger tones. 18 months in Matusalem sherry butts was just right. Any longer and the Jura's subtler notes would be masked by the wood. This is a glowing, gloriously gutsy scotch that could be enjoyed in the early evening. Just add one sunset.