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15 May, 2025
Our cask curation partners
At The Dalmore, exceptional whisky begins with extraordinary partnerships. For generations, we have cultivated exclusive relationships with the world's finest bodegas and wineries, gaining privileged access to their most treasured casks. These rare vessels become the canvas for our whisky makers' artistry.
Pioneered and perfected by the Mackenzie brothers from as early as 1868, the Dalmore’s complex multi-cask maturation is a tradition that’s been kept alive for 180 years, treasures the sanctity of the cask, and compliments The Dalmore’s luxuriously complex character.
We select only the most exceptional casks, each nurtured by master craftspeople from the worlds of sherry, port, and wine who share our unwavering commitment to excellence.
The process
Maturation occurs for 10, 20, or even 50 years, beginning with ex Bourbon barrels made from American White Oak. Different types of wood can affect the character of the spirit in different ways, and these barrels allow the spirit to relax and enhance flavours such as citrus, marzipan, and vanilla.
Finishing is when the spirit is transferred to casks previously used for fine sherries, port or wine. These casks build depth and richness to the spirit imbuing new flavour notes and enhancing the Dalmore’s particular profile of orange, chocolate and soft spices.
González Byass: A century of Excellence
Our century-long relationship with fifth-generation winemakers González Byass grants The Dalmore access to some of the most coveted sherry casks in the world. Each has matured the finest wines in González Byass' magnificent Jerez bodega through their famed solera system.
This remarkable partnership led by Master Wine Maker Antonio Flores and The Dalmore Master Distiller Richard Paterson for 50 years and now by Winemaker Silvia Flores and Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass, creates whiskies of unmatched depth and character.
Antonio Flores, González Byass Master Wine Maker, beautifully captures the essence of this partnership: "You cannot create a new, old wine. In the same way, you cannot create a new, old whisky. The wines are our children; we nurture them right from birth. If we do not take care of the children, we cannot expect to have created an exceptional product in its maturity."
The wines are our children; we nurture them right from birth. If we do not take care of the children, we cannot expect to have created an exceptional product in its maturity.
Experience this legacy for yourself in The Dalmore Aged 18 and Aged 21, finished in 30 Year Old Matusalem Oloroso Sherry Casks, and our web exclusive 2009 Vintage Sherry Cask Finish. In 2023 we unveiled Cask Curation Series: The Sherry Edition, which celebrates the rare and exceptional casks available from González Byass, delivering exceptional flavour characteristics to our Single Malt.
Graham's: Port Perfection
For decades, The Dalmore’s Whisky Makers have made the journey to Graham’s principal estate Quinta dos Malvedos, where winemakers have crafted exquisite wines since the 1700s.
After harvest, these wines journey ninety miles downriver to Graham's 1890 Lodge overlooking Porto, where Master Blender Charles Symington selects only the most exceptional for decades-long aging. The deep flavour within the wood of these rare port pipes makes them the perfect long-standing partner for The Dalmore resulting in single malts of exquisite rarity and quality.
The deep, rich character of these rare port pipes creates single malts of extraordinary distinction. The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve, 28 Year and 30 Year expressions, and Cask Curation Series: The Port Edition showcase this unrivalled relationship through ruby-rich berry notes, decadent cacao, and profound nutty depth. A century of whisky-making artistry in every sip.
Graham's offers a peaceful sanctuary to connect with the casks and their story. It's a unique place to enjoy The Dalmore - a celebration not just of partnership, but of friendship.
A perfect serve: The Port Wood Breeze
Our journey with these exceptional partners reveals more than just shared values, it demonstrates the reward of decades of collaboration. What better way to celebrate this harmony than with a signature cocktail that showcases these distinctive characters in perfect balance?
The Port Wood Breeze highlights the red berry notes and rich flavours of The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve by pairing it with pomegranate juice and ruby port.
Ingredients
60ml Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
30ml Pomegranate juice
15ml Ruby port
20ml Fresh lemon juice
15ml Simple syrup (1:1 ratio)
15ml Aquafaba
Method
Combine in a shaker, strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a dash of orange Bitters or pomegranate seeds.
