The Dalmore 1979 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Cask 594)

The Dalmore 1979 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Cask 594)

Situated along the banks of Cromarty Firth in the Highlands region of Scotland, The 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 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 Whisky is derived from Clan MacKenzie's coat of arms. The Dalmore 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. The water, prior to reaching the firth, travels from Loch Morie through a number of peat bogs and limestone quarries, and contributes a slightly mineral and chewy mouthfeel to the whisky. Once the barley has been fermented, the wash is distilled twice, first through Dalmore's copper-pot wash stills and then again through its copper-pot spirit stills (the stills date back to 1874). 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. The Dalmore 1979 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Cask 594) is part of the distillery's Constellation collection. The whisky was distilled in 1977 the same year that Trivial Pursuit launched and that Voyager I sent back photos of Jupiter's rings to NASA and was matured for 33 years in casks composed of American white oak and Quercus Alba (a type of North American hardwood). The whisky has a honey gold color, along with an aroma of peaches, nectarines and vanilla. Hints of pears, apricots and lemongrass are also present on the nose, and give way to notes of pineapple, tropical fruits, caramel fudge, lemon cake and macaroons on the tongue. The finish is long and seductive, with notes of Turkish Delight, kiwi and spices. Only a handful of these bottles exist. Pick one up today!