"The Scottish cuisine has improved greatly in the past twenty years. The Dalmore goes well with beef or lamb, while the coastal whiskies go well with seafood," explains Dalmore ambassador Simon Brooking. "We are based in a town Alness, located in the northern region near Inverness."

"Single malts have a lot of personality. A blended Scotch, it is like putting ten personalities in a elevator. Is single malt better? Not necessarily so," suggests Brooking. "A great way to start at the tasting of single malt whisky is to have a Dalmore 12 (year old) with ginger ale.” The mix is very refreshing and balanced in flavors. The vanilla and caramel notes marry well with the ginger flavors, along with the Asian spice. This Scotch is not overly peaty or smoky. The Dalmore 12 ($32.99) is 65% bourbon cask, 35% sherry cask, with the predominate flavor of vanilla from the bourbon barrels. About three to five liters of the original contents of the barrel are in the wood, though the barrel is empty, thus the influence of the Bourbon.

“The optimal nosing and tasting is at 35-38% alcohol, though the whisky comes to you at 43% strength," explains Brooking. "The floral opens up when a bit generous splash of water is added, heather is in the nose and it grows in the region where this whisky originates. A couple of drops of water is not enough. There is a huge misconception in America that asdding water delutes. You find more flavor and the bottle lasts longer. Try it neat first then add water. You miss by not experimenting with it.”

Dalmore21 ($99) “90% Bourbon barrels and 10% sherry, so there is a lot more vanilla and caramel than the twelve year Dalmore,” says Brooking. "We came in as the underdog and have had double digit growth." Texas, where this uthor resides, is a big Bourbon drinking state. The Bourbon barrel influence may explain why The Dalmore is very popular in Texas.

Dalmore Cigar Malt ($35) “This is a much darker spirit because of the 65% Sherry cask and 35% Bourbon barrel ratio," proposes Brooking. "There are coffee, chocolate, and raisin notes. It is called the Cigar malt because the mouthfell coats the tongue to soften the tobacco smoke and it marries well with the tobacco flavors. It is to be enjoyed not exclusively with a cigar.
It is not peaty or smoky . Wine drinkers do enjoy this scotch." Try this undiluted with dark chocolate. The flavors explode together in a perfect pairing.

Dalmore Gonzalez Byass 1973 ($249) “There is almond, spice , hazelnut, a touch of marzipan, citrus perhaps like orange marmalade, in summary the taste is much lighter than the nose. The finish is soft and long," concludes Brooking. "a complex multitude of exotic flavours immediately arouse and stimulate the palate. Although the presence of wood notes are anticipated, the final outcome is a perfect balance between the spirit and sherry. The impact is sensational - a loving marriage - a lasting union." The bottle may be difficult to find in stores, but is well worth the search.

For over 160 years, the distillery has produced malts of great character and distinction. The Dalmore Single Highland Malt Whisky Collection has won numerous, prestigious awards and is recognized as being one of the finest distilleries in the world. From Norse and Gaelic, Dalmore means "the big meadowland" referring to the rich and fertile Black Isle, on the opposite shore of the Cromarty Firth from the distillery. Take in more information at www.thedalmore.com.