Premium single malt whisky distillery the Dalmore has revealed the two expressions selected for its annual Vintage Collection. Each year, the Dalmore adds one 15-year-old and one 18-year-old whisky to the limited-edition collection.
Selected for 2024 are the Dalmore Vintage 2009 and the Dalmore Vintage 2006. The casks were chosen last year by the Dalmore's whisky makers during their annual November visit to the distillery's Alness warehouses, at time of year when the temperature "allows the spirit to shine", a tradition which dates back more than half a century.
Bottled at 15 Years Old, the Dalmore Vintage 2009 was initially matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before a dual finish in Matusalen sherry casks and 10-year-old tawny port pipes, sourced from the Dalmore's partners González Byass and Graham's Port.
Reflecting on the Vintage 2009, the Dalmore's master whisky maker Gregg Glass commented: "This is a rich and decadent whisky from the Dalmore where the sweet malt, soft fruit, and citrus flavour characteristics of the Dalmore are enhanced by the influences of sweet vanilla, creamy caramel, and gentle gingerbread."
The Dalmore Vintage 2006, with an age statement of 18 Years Old, also began its maturation in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels. It has been finished in Matusalen and Amoroso sherry casks.
On the Vintage 2006, Glass noted: "This exquisite whisky has deep vanilla, sweet caramel, and honey notes from its maturation in first-fill American white oak ex-Bourbon. These flavours have been interwoven with antique notes, offered by finishing in those exclusively sourced 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks and 30-year-old Amoroso sherry casks... The result is sumptuous, warming layers of flavour, interweaving to create this rich and robust single malt whisky."
The Dalmore Vintage 2009 (48.9% ABV, RSP £173) and the Dalmore Vintage 2006 (47.2% ABV, RSP £403) are non-chill filtered and bottled with their natural colour. They will be available from selected retailers from November.
