The Dalmore has added the 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select Whisky to its Principal Collection. The new single malt Scotch showcases the Highland distillery’s close relationship with Jerez, Spain’s Sherry making region.
To create the The Dalmore 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select, Master Distiller Richard Paterson selected three cask partners from Andalucia: Tevasa, Vasyma, and Paez. Together they curated the ideal oak casks and created a custom blend of aged Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry to season them.
The Whisky begins life in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks where it spends ten years maturing. Meanwhile, European and American Oak oaks are selected and crafted into casks. The Sherry blend is customized for each cooper ahead of seasoning and filling the casks. Finally, the Whisky is finished for up to three years. The result is an assemblage of sherry cask finishes, each offering layers of Sherry and oak influence.
“The 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select is elegance personified and an excellent addition to our Principal Collection,” said Paterson. “Its full finish in oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks reveals a more floral, light and refined side to The Dalmore. It is a truly decadent whisky which celebrates the deep-rooted alliances with our cooperage partners to source the most exquisite casks and truly showcase the depth of The Dalmore’s character.”
On the nose, the Whisky features aromas of caramelised orange, ginger and sultanas, laced with honey. The palate balances nutty flavors of crushed almonds, dark chocolate and a dusting of cinnamon with a sweet Pedro Ximénez influence and hints of sweet mangoes, panna cotta and lemon sponge cake. The finish is filled with sweet mangos, panna cotta, and lemon sponge cake.
Bottled at 43% ABV, The Dalmore 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select Scotch is currently on sale for £69 ($89 USD) per 700ml bottle and can be found online in the United Kingdom via The Whisky Shop. The expression is also available across Asia, including Taiwan and China. It is set to be released in the United States beginning in 2021.