The Dalmore 1979 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Cask 594)

About The Dalmore

Situated along the banks of Cromarty Firth in the Highlands region of Scotland, Dalmore Distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, who had earned his fortune illegally importing opium from the Far East. In 1886, Matheson sold Dalmore Distillery to Clan MacKenzie, whose century-long stewardship and defining influence over the distillery is still evident today — the 12-point stag adorned on every bottle of Dalmore Distillery Whisky is derived from Clan MacKenzie's coat of arms.

Dalmore Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from plump, golden barley sourced from the rich, coastal soils of the Black Isle. Once the barley has been harvested, it is milled and mashed before being fermented with water drawn from the Cromarty Firth. Prior to reaching the firth, however, the water travels from Loch Morie through a number of peat bogs and limestone quarries, and thus, contributes a slightly mineral and chewy mouthfeel to the whisky.

Once the barley has been fermented, the wash is distilled twice, first through Dalmore Distillery's copper-pot wash stills and then again through its copper-pot spirit stills. The wash stills have an unusually flat top, while the spirit stills are equipped with cold water jackets. This unusual equipment — the water jackets rinse cold water near the top of the still — makes it difficult for the lighter elements of the whisky to pass through the still, and ultimately results in a more opulent and rich whisky.