Scotland, Northern Highlands. Distillery operational. Owner: Whyte & Mackay

It was with quite a bang that Dalmore joined the ranks of collectible whiskies, when the group's master blender Richard Paterson presented the Constellation range in 2014. This interstellar symphony of 43 bottlings (1964 - 1992) was the culmination of several decades spent in the depths of warehouses sculpting a distillate with a complex and versatile character in the ex-sherry casks that have become the trademark of the Dalmore Single Malt. Selected from the Gonzeles Byass bodega, these Oloroso, Mathusalem (The Dalmore 32 Year Old 1974 Cask #504, 52%) and Amoroso (The Dalmore 1981 Amoroso Sherry Finesse) barrels offer such aromatic density and range that the profile of The Dalmore has become indistinguishable from the sherries produced at the bodega which, along with Richard Paterson, has co-designed the Dalmore style.

This whisky is initially matured in (American oak) bourbon casks which impart aromas of vanilla and honey. While a share of the whisky continues to mature in the same type of barrel, another is transferred to rare sherry casks from the famous Gonzalez Byass vineyard, which results in the development of dried fruit flavours. Finally, both parts are reunited and blended together to create a harmonious mix of flavours.
In a tasting, this whisky opens with a bouquet of aromas centred on citrus fruits, chocolate and sweet spices. On the palate, we can identify flavours of Seville oranges, dried fruits and vanilla, culminating in a long finish with hints of roasted coffee and dark chocolate.