Dalmore – as a distillery, as a whisky, and as a brand – has had a dynamic, if not enigmatic history. Founded in 1839, almost directly on the shoreline of the Cromarty Firth, it is a Highland whisky that’s obviously north of Inverness and the allure of Speyside, yet seeming not north enough to trade on the geographical x-factor that the likes of Clynelish and Old Pulteney somehow cash in on. It purportedly claims the title of being the first malt whisky to have been commercially exported from Scotland, with cases shipped to Australia way back in 1870. Over the years it has been leased, family owned and operated, joint-ventured, acquired, and absorbed. In more recent times, it’s a brand that has gone down the luxury product road, drawing attention for its old/rare releases and collections that carried eye-wateringly high price tags. But for your average or typical whisky drinker, where does The Dalmore fit in to the current state of play? We’ll answer that in just a moment but, as always, some background might help set the scene…
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