Celebrating Six Decades of Excellence With the Dalmore

Renowned for producing rich, beautiful whiskies matured in some of the world’s most prestigious wine casks (including casks that previously held 30-year-old Matusalem oloroso sherry), the Dalmore has released a series of collections of remarkable single malt scotch whiskies that tell the tale of the brand’s six-decade quest for greatness.

It comes at a time when the landscape of whisky drinkers is quickly evolving so brands need to reaffirm their identity to connect with the new generation of consumers.

“Whisky has become more fashionable, more trendy, more inclusive. It’s not that stuffy exclusive boys club that it used to be. It is now a fun club for people with different personalities and characters. And I think the Dalmore is a whisky with one of the most distinctive personalities in the landscape of whisky and that it can appeal to a large crowd,” says Stephen Martin, global ambassador for the Dalmore.

The first set of six whiskies (1951, 1967, 1979, 1980, 1995, 2000), the No. 6 Collection, made in collaboration with V&A Dundee, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in October 2021 as part of the firm’s autumn sales series. Each of the whiskies in this series was hand-picked by master distiller Richard Paterson to represent both the decade it was released and a pivotal period in the Dalmore’s history.

Alongside the No. 6 Collection, the Dalmore is releasing 15 collectible Decades sets: the No. 5 Collection, containing five masterpiece whiskies from the years 1967, 1979, 1980, 1995, and 2000. Each set is unique, with bottles engraved with an exclusive set number, presenting a compelling opportunity for established and new collectors alike.

The Dalmore distillery.

The prestigious launch also includes the No. 4 Collection of 25 sets, each containing four Decades whiskies from 1979, 1980, 1995, and 2000. Like the No. 5 Collection, each decanter is engraved with an exclusive set number, capturing four remarkable moments in Scottish history. The Canadian exclusive set will be available through BC Liquor Stores for $200,000 (Cdn.).

“It is a real masterpiece of time that really kind of captures that realization of the potential for whisky and you know, highlight the beauty of the whisky-making slow process,” Martin explains of the collections which mark a the noteworthy legacy of the Scottish brand.

“The 2000 vintage is also a special one because it was the first single malt whisky to be bottled in the new millennium. Everyone was partying and celebrating under the fireworks while we were making whisky. It very much represents that kind of front foot approach that makes the Dalmore stand out,” he adds.

For those who want to indulge in some Dalmore excellence at a more entry leve, Martin recommends the 1263 King Alexander III. “It’s nutty and rich on the palate, with chocolate and vanilla flavours contrasted by hints of coffee and smoke. But what truly makes it stand out is the fact that it has been aged in different quality casks. You’ve got the Kentucky bourbon cask, but it was also matured in wine, Madeira, sherry, Marsala, and port casks.”

That the Dalmore has such range makes it a true great of whisky, and such commemorative collections blur the lines between whisky and art.

Photography compliments of The Dalmore.