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14 January, 2026
The Dalmore King Alexander III – A Masterpiece of Maturation
A masterpiece designed for celebrating life’s special moments, The Dalmore King Alexander III is a one-of-a-kind whisky inspired by our royal heritage and distinguished as the world’s first six-cask finish Single Malt.
There are whiskies that follow tradition. And then there are whiskies that redefine it.
The Dalmore King Alexander III stands as an extraordinary achievement in the world of Single Malt whisky - scoring as Wine Enthusiast Magazine's highest rated whisky in 2025 with an exceptional 98 points.
Created as a tribute to our royal heritage and a legacy that spans more than 180 years, it is the first whisky in the world to be finished in six different cask types: a pioneering expression that showcases the full breadth of The Dalmore’s cask curation mastery.
Origin Story King Alexander III
The story of King Alexander III and The Dalmore began in 1263, when Colin of Kintail, the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie saved the King of Scotland, Alexander III, from the fury of a charging stag during a hunt. This moment of courage was later immortalised by artist Benjamin West in a painting that now resides in the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh.
As a reward for his act of bravery, King Alexander granted Colin and his descendants three great honours: land stretching from Kintail, across the Highlands of Scotland out to the Isle of Skye; use of the Latin motto: Luceo Non Uro, which means, ‘I Shine, Not Burn’, and the right to display the 12-point Royal Stag upon the Mackenzie family crest.
Born from a moment in time that truly mattered, the reward endures to this day. Since 1867, the Mackenzie family – The Dalmore’s historic owners – ensured that every bottle of The Dalmore was adorned with the Royal Stag, a shining emblem defining the celebration of royal heritage.
The visionary behind the whisky Richard Paterson
The Dalmore King Alexander III is more than a feat of maturation; it is the embodiment of a vision. That vision belongs to Richard Paterson, Master Distiller at The Dalmore and one of the most revered figures in the world of whisky.
For over six decades, Richard has shaped the character of The Dalmore, bringing an artist’s eye and a scientist’s precision to every stage of the whisky-making process. Known across the industry as ‘The Nose’, his ability to distinguish subtle layers of aroma and flavour is legendary, however it is his pioneering spirit that truly sets him apart.
The Dalmore King Alexander III was born from a desire to push the boundaries of what Single Malt could be. Richard imagined a whisky that would not simply be finished in one or two casks, but in six: each chosen for its ability to contribute something distinct, yet complementary. It was a bold idea, and one that had never been attempted before.
This pioneering expression is truly a fitting reward for those with the courage to stand apart and make a difference.
The result is a whisky that embodies Richard’s lifelong passion and dedication to the art of whisky making. From the robust spirit shaped by The Dalmore’s idiosyncratic copper pot stills - each with a unique shape and size - to the careful selection of casks from the world’s finest bodegas and wineries, every element of The Dalmore King Alexander III speaks to his philosophy: that exceptional whisky is not created by chance, but by choice.
“This pioneering expression is truly a fitting reward for those with the courage to stand apart and make a difference,” Richard has said. And in many ways, it is a reflection of his own journey, a whisky that honours tradition, while daring to go beyond it.
The six cask story A testament to the art of whisky making
The Dalmore King Alexander III’s journey begins in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels, where the spirit develops its foundational character. From there, it is apportioned into six different cask types: Matusalem Oloroso Sherry butts, Madeira barrels, Marsala casks, Port pipes, Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques, and small batch Bourbon casks – a symphony, creating a masterpiece.
Each cask contributes unique layers of flavour that enhance, complement, or contrast The Dalmore’s house style: the Sherry casks bring depth and spice; Madeira and Marsala add warmth and richness, and Port and Cabernet Sauvignon lend fruit and structure. These elements are then finally married together in a Sherry butt, where they rest and integrate, creating a whisky of remarkable balance and complexity.
Showcasing our multi-cask maturation philosophy
A whisky that reveals itself slowly with deep, rich and enticing flavour notes, The Dalmore King Alexander III is the perfect showcase for our multi-cask maturation philosophy. On the nose, red berry fruits and hints of passion fruit. The palate opens with citrus zest, vanilla pod, crème caramel, and crushed almonds. The finish is warming and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger lingering long after the final sip.
A Single Malt made to be celebrated
The Dalmore King Alexander III is not a Single Malt reserved for collectors’ cabinets. It is a whisky to be opened, shared and enjoyed in celebration - whether at weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or simply to mark life’s most meaningful moments.
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