Greetings!

If you’ve ever considered visiting Scotland and the incredible people who produce this spirit we love, then you owe it to yourself to check out the two most recent posts on ForWhiskeyLovers. Eating on Islay – Distillery Style by Contributing Editor Ian Buxton gives the low down on finding quality sustenance on the island as you traverse the map of some of Scotland’s finest whisky producers.

And Managing Editor Caroline Dewar takes us inside one the the countries finest and “resolutely independent” distilleries through Isle of Arran – A Journey of Discovery. Both makes really great reads.

And speaking of Scotland’s finest, this weeks Whiskey Wednesday features a rare and exquisite limited production whisky, with a great story behind it, from one of Scotland’s truly great distilleries: Dalmore Castle Leod Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky.

The Dalmore distillery is located on the northern shores of the Firth of Cromarty, deep in the spectacular Scottish Highlands, where it is perfectly placed to take advantage of a feast of natural resources: from the waters of Loch Morie, found high in the hills overlooking the distillery, to the golden barley of the rich coastal soils of the Black Isle. Being sited at sea level is critically important. Enveloped by the salt air, the sea-facing traditional dunnage warehouses provide the ideal conditions for whisky maturation.

The distillery has been producing exceptional single malt whisky since 1839 and, for almost a century, was owned by the Clan Mackenzie. The clan’s defining influence on the distillery is still evident to this day, with the iconic royal stag’s antlers – taken from the Mackenzie family crest – adorning each and every bottle of The Dalmore.

And just 14 miles from The Dalmore Distillery, on the outskirts of the beautiful Highland town of Strathpeffer, stands Castle Leod, home to the Clan Mackenzie since 1606. The importance to The Dalmore of the Mackenzies cannot be overstated, for it was the vision of the brothers Mackenzie, in 1839, to converted a dilapidated distillery into one that’s stood the test of time ever since.

Castle Leod, which contains many remarkable artifacts and historically important artworks, is one of the few in Scotland still to be occupied by the original owner. Today, it remains home to Cabarfeidh, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie.

The Dalmore Castle Leod Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an exquisite limited edition whisky that celebrates the ancient and historic seat of Clan Mackenzie, and is the second in a series crafted by Master Distiller Richard Paterson in homage to Clan Mackenzie.

The whisky was distilled in 1995, then was matured initially in American white oak and Spanish sherry wood, before being transferred for a final 18 months to barriques from a legendary Bordeaux chateau (not indicated, but it’s one of the 1st cru classse). The joyful effervescence of fleshy plums, raisins and citrus fruits are followed by the silky tones of kiwi fruit, honey, caramelized pear and sweet mango. A final feast of crushed almonds, spicy ginger, chewy toffee and soft licorice brings this cornucopia of delights to a perfect conclusion.

My goodness….this is a truly amazing whisky.

And as we mentioned, its tough to get. With only 5,000 bottles released world wide, and a mere 2100 of them finding their way to US shores, good luck finding it anywhere.

But fortunately for us, our man Nicky The Neck knows a guy, who’s got a guy, who is owed a favor by another guy….and so we’ve been able to procure more than most.

And so it’s with great excitement that we can start off the New Year by offering you the opportunity to acquire your own bottle of The Dalmore Castle Leod for $159.95.

But if you want some, act fast. While we have more than our fair share, once it’s gone…

Until next week…I wish you high spirits!

Doug Stone
Founder
ForWhiskeyLovers.com

DALMORE CASTLE LEOD HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT WHISKY

TASTING NOTES (courtesy of Tastings.com)

Color: Beautiful amber color.

Nose: Elusive aromas of toasted raisin nut bread and honey

Mouth feel: silky, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body

Finish: long, chewy, grain, spice, cream accented finish. Wonderfully delicious.