Port X Whisky: The Dalmore Releases Unique Vintage Port Collection 

Luxury single malt The Dalmore has released a three-bottle, limited edition collection of whiskies matured in vintage port casks.

In the year that The Dalmore’s legendary Master Distiller Richard Paterson celebrates his 50^th year in the whisky industry, The Vintage Port Collection is the latest in a long line of ground-breaking releases from the iconic whisky producer.

Crafted using the finest aged Port pipes from renowned winemakers W&J Graham’s, Paterson’s unrivalled knowledge of the cask maturation process has been applied to full effect in creating a unique collection of port-finished vintages from 1996, 1998 and 2001.

Reflecting the pioneering heritage and artistry which has helped The Dalmore define the luxury single malt category, The Dalmore Vintage Port Collection is matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, creating a pristine canvas for Richard to create this uniquely finished collection.

Tawny Port pipes from Graham’s vineyard in Douro, Portugal add the finishing touches to the collection, using pipes reserved exclusively for The Dalmore. Graham’s signature port palate perfectly matches the depth and quality of The Dalmore’s complex new make spirit, enabling the spirit to be matured for longer in a greater variety of casks.

The collection’s oldest expression is the 1996 Port Vintage. A whisky which is indulgent and smooth, it offers a palate of Gingerbread and passion fruit, with a finish of pineapple, marzipan and blood oranges.

The 1998 Port Vintage comprises a fruity palate of honeyed bananas, blueberries and grapes, with Damson plums and dark treacle providing a depth to the finish. The final member of the collection is the 2001 Port Vintage which offers a spicier aroma and a palate of morello cherries.  A coffee finish is accompanied with hints of Turkish delight and figs.

The collection will be available to purchase from selected whisky retailers.

Richard Paterson, Master Distiller at The Dalmore added: “For me, port and whisky complement each other perfectly, with port providing a fruitier palate to The Dalmore’s deep and complex new make spirit.  Being able to finish these new releases in pipes of Graham’s port, which are some of the finest quality, during my anniversary year is incredibly exciting. I’m delighted to be able to continue our founder’s vision of creating new expressions that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the luxury single malt category.” 

Notes

Tasting Notes: Vintage 1996

Aroma: Blackcurrants, rich coffee beans and praline chocolate

Palate:  Gingerbread, Damson plums and passion fruit

Finish: Caramelised pineapple, Sanguinello blood oranges and marzipan

ABV: 45%

RRP: £450  

Tasting Notes: Vintage 1998

Aroma: English marmalade, Satsuma plums, vanilla and blackcurrants

Palate:  Honeyed bananas, blueberries and grape

Finish: Damson plums, dark treacle and Christstollen cake

ABV: 44%

RRP: £200 

Tasting Notes: Vintage 2001

Aroma: Exotic spices, cinnamon, raisins and tangerines dipped in chocolate

Palate:  Caramelised peaches, freshly baked bread and Morello cherries

Finish: Turkish delight, figs and coffee

ABV: 40%

RRP: £150 

The Dalmore 

The Dalmore is the definitive luxury malt, since 1839.

Founded by Sir Alexander Matheson, a restless entrepreneur and international businessman, The Dalmore was born with a different purpose, to go above and beyond to create luxurious single malt whisky unlike any other.

An unbroken chain of exceptional whisky makers have been fulfilling Sir Alexander’s vision ever since, pioneering multi cask maturation over 100 years before this was commonly adopted by others in the industry.

Richard Paterson has been Master Distiller at The Dalmore for nearly 50 years.  The whiskies he has created during his tenure have help Richard to achieve global celebrity status.  He is the man who, with The Dalmore, created the category of super luxury single malt, a category he continues to define to this very day.