Tasting the Dalmore Mackenzie

The Mackenzie is a special release by the Dalmore, Limited to 3,000 bottles, available mostly in Europe and other markets (Not available in the US market, don’t ask me why!) , further 600 are (or were) available at travel retail shops. Each limited edition bottle is individually numbered and adorned with the Clan and the brand’s iconic Royal stag formed in molten metal

According to Whyte & Mackay (Owners of the Dalmore)  the launch of this expression “marks a new era in the distillery’s long affiliation with The Mackenzie Clan”. The Dalmore Mackenzie launch was inspired by the act of courage from an ancestor of Clan Mackenzie when he saved King Alexander III of Scotland in 1263 from being gored by a stag, a scene that is depicted in a famous painting by Benjamin West that hangs in the National Gallery (see below).

Fury of the stag / Benjamin West

The Mackenzie is double matured (rather than finished)  : First it was put into American white oak casks  (year of 1992). Then, after 11 years, it was put into fresh port pipes for another 7 years, and finally bottled in 2010. A combination which creates some very interesting aromas and flavours, which we’ll discuss in a minute.

The Dalmore Mackenzie 1992 ,46%, port finish, 3000 bottles , £100

Nose: Sweet, fruity. Some berries, oranges and a certain wininess. very sweet and lively, with those lemony notes i was not expecting. Aged in Ex-Bourbon and no sherry , this explains it…

Palate: Again, sweet and spicy. Yes definitely spicy  on the tongue, with those red fruits and some hints of chocolate. nice body at 46% but it could use a bit more ABV to become a cracker.

Finish : Medium length finish with wee , but wee smoke (don’t expect a lagavulin here ok?), ending on the dried red fruit and the spices. Very good.

Bottom Line:

I certainly like this one, It’s got a very nice nose, great spicy palate (too spicy for some, Josh, i remember you noted this…) and a nice finish. The Port finish does complement the spirit nicely. A very good Dalmore, but my personal favourite to date is the Dalmore 15 (with it’s 3 sherry casks) which is wonderful. Price point is a little steep , but when you take into consideration that it’s a ‘Limited Edition’ , it can be excused 😉  I guess it will be a good ‘Collector’s Item’ in a few years or so, but as i usually say : Whisky is for drinking. Now.

If you want additional information, i suggest you read Jeff’s (Scotch Hobbyist’s blog) excellent post .

Slainte!

Thanks to Jeff for this lovely sample.