The Dalmore Releases Castle Leod Whisky

The Dalmore has released a limited edition whisky called Castle Leod, named after the spiritual home of the Mackenzie clan, to raise much needed funds to help return the Scottish castle to its former glory.

The move follows the successful launch last year of the brand’s Mackenzie expression, which saw 3,000 bottles sell out in less than nine months across the world, raising more than £20,000 towards castle restoration and other clan projects.

This time there will be 5,000 bottles of Dalmore Castle Leod produced with an RSP of £100, and according to Richard Paterson, the creator of this new release, this one will sell even faster than the Mackenzie whisky.

The Dalmore has a long association with the Mackenzie clan. Not only did the family once own the Highland distillery, their clan symbol – the royal stag – sits on each and every bottle of the Dalmore in a tribute to its regal heritage and aristocratic pedigree.  In 1263, a member of the clan saved King Alexander III of Scotland from a charging stag and was subsequently granted the honour of using the 12-point royal stag as their crest. That in turn has been adopted by The Dalmore, along with the clan’s motto I Shine, Not Burn.

Castle Leod is nestled in the Scottish highlands just 14 miles from the Dalmore distillery.  Built in 1606, it is still one of the few castles in Scotland that was built and occupied by direct descendents of the original family owners.

Richard Paterson, Master Blender, Whyte and Mackay

“Castle Leod is an exceptional single malt. It’s the first time we have released a whisky matured in barriques from one of the most revered and iconic Bordeaux houses in France.

“Having spent its initial maturation in American white oak and Spanish sherry wood, this whisky still retains The Dalmore’s ‘house style’ of orange marmalade, vanilla and spice. But its final 18 months in Bordeaux adds an extra level of pure luxury, as well as a sensual finish of kiwi, sweet pear and sweet mango.”
 
John Cromartie Caberfeidh of the Mackenzie clan, is thrilled by the The Dalmore’s latest efforts to raise much needed funds

“I’m honoured that Richard Paterson has created this extraordinary single malt in tribute to Castle Leod, which is both my home and the spiritual home of the Mackenzie clan. We regularly have gatherings for our members at the Castle as this has been the seat of the clan since it was built by Roderick Mackenzie in the 17th century. The castle is filled with rich heritage and history, but more importantly, it has stood the test of time, and I have no doubt that in years to come The Dalmore’s Castle Leod will equally be recognised as a timeless classic.”

Tasting Notes:

Colour:   Radiant amber with hints of crimson gold
Nose:  Exhilarating romantic notes of Rose de Mai, heady tuberose, ylang-ylang and rich narcissus are coupled with arousing notes of juicy plums, blackcurrants, bergamot and mandarin.
Taste:  The “King of Grapes”. the Cabernet Sauvignon from a legendary 1st cru classe Bordeaux chateau adds that extra level of pure luxury to our noble Dalmore. But again fleshy plums, raisins and citrus fruits are reinforced during this initial flirtation on the palate. Within seconds the next sensual fusion makes its presence felt when silky tones of kiwi fruit, honey, caramelised pear and sweet mango roll over from the warmth of your tongue. A final feast of crushed almonds, spicy ginger, chewy toffee and soft liquorice brings this passionate love affair to a perfect conclusion.

Information on The Dalmore:

The Dalmore whisky is crafted in small batches using an artisan philosophy that has been passed down through generations. The Dalmore converts crystal-clear water from Loch Morie in the Highlands into liquid gold. The small band of stillmen that run the distillery all originate from a handful of local families and, with years of experience, exhibit true craft and take enormous pride in their work. This ensures The Dalmore whisky’s unique and revered character.

Whisky fans can join The Dalmore Custodians, a select group of individuals with an appetite for luxury single malt, by visiting http://www.thedalmore.com