Table of Contents
History of Whisky Dalmore
The Dalmore is one of the most recognized brands of Scotch whisky globally. Established in 1839, The Dalmore distillery is situated in the Highland region of Scotland and is famous for their single malts aged for longer periods, which are influenced by sherry and matured in white oak American casks as well as sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass of Spain.
What sets The Dalmore apart are their ultra-aged whiskies, sherry-influenced cask selection, and the royal stag ensign bearing thousands at auctions. These whiskies are distinguished by the heritage-based cask selection, which comes from a unique lineage.
Key milestones:
- Founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson
- Iconic royal stag crest adopted in 1867
- Known for double-barrel maturation and cask finishing techniques
- Regularly wins awards for the smoothest whisky, the most complex whisky, the most luxurious whisky, and other accolades.
Whisky Dalmore Tasting Notes
The experience of The Dalmore whisky tasting journey is multilayered, where the expression is smooth and rich, showcasing deep sherry, fruits, and chocolatey mouthfeel.
The following tasting profile is typical for most whiskies produced by The Dalmore:
Nose: orange marmalade, sherry, vanilla, coffee beans, and cinnamon.
Palate: winter spices, roasted nuts, toffee, dark chocolate, and ripe plums.
Finish: long, warm, elegant oak and citrus peel.
Different Options of Whisky Dalmore
Dalmore offers a luxurious range of aged single malts. Below are the popular options globally and in India:
| Expression | Age | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dalmore 12 Year Old | 12 yrs | Rich, accessible, matured in sherry and bourbon casks |
| Dalmore 15 Year Old | 18 years | Bolder sherry notes, orange zest, chocolate |
| Dalmore 18 Year Old | 18 yrs | Complex and full-bodied, with spice and dark fruit |
| Dalmore King Alexander III | NAS | Aged in six types of casks, extraordinary depth |
| Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve | NAS | Perfect match for cigars, hints of cinnamon and vanilla |
| Dalmore 21, 25, 30, 40, 50 | Ultra-aged | Collector editions, priced from ₹1 Lakh+ to Crores |
Whisky Dalmore Prices in India (By States)
Dalmore whisky is available in select Indian cities through premium liquor retailers and duty-free shops.
| State/City | Dalmore 12 YO Price (Approx.) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra (Mumbai) | ₹14,115 | Higher due to state excise; MRP from licensed retailers. |
| Karnataka (Bangalore) | ₹11,650 | Moderate pricing; widely available in premium outlets. |
| West Bengal (Kolkata) | ₹11,520 | Similar to Karnataka, the standard 700ml variant is available. |
| Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) | ₹10,540 | One of the more affordable states for imported whiskies. |
| Rajasthan (Jaipur) | ₹14,495 | Higher due to state-specific import taxes. |
| Goa (Panaji/Tourist Zones) | ₹10,800 | Lower due to relaxed excise laws for tourists. |
| Delhi (NCR) | ₹11,000–₹12,000 | Varies slightly by outlet; duty-free shops may offer better deals. |
| Telangana (Hyderabad) | ₹11,500–₹12,000 (estimated) | Price range based on regional averages; confirm locally. |
| Haryana (Gurugram) | ₹11,200–₹11,800 (estimated) | Close to Delhi NCR pricing; varies by vendor. |
| Punjab (Chandigarh) | ₹11,000–₹12,000 (estimated) | In line with northern Indian pricing trends. |
| Tamil Nadu (Chennai) | Not Commonly Available | Availability is limited; you may need to check elite liquor outlets. |
| Kerala (Kochi) | ₹13,000–₹14,000 (estimated) | Higher due to Kerala’s controlled liquor policy. |
Whisky Dalmore Price by Country
| Country | Local Price (Approx.) | Currency | Price in INR (Approx.) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | ₹10,500 – ₹14,500 | INR | ₹10,500 – ₹14,500 | Price varies by state due to excise taxes |
| USA | $70–$85 | USD | ₹5,800 – ₹7,100 | Tax varies by state; widely available |
| UK | £55–£65 | GBP | ₹5,800–₹6,900 | Cheaper in Scotland; online retailers like Master of Malt |
| UAE (Dubai) | AED 220 – AED 280 | AED | ₹5,000–₹6,300 | Available at Dubai Duty Free and liquor stores |
| Singapore | SGD 110 – SGD 130 | SGD | ₹6,800 – ₹8,000 | Prices include Singapore’s alcohol tax |
| Australia | AUD 140 – AUD 160 | AUD | ₹7,500–₹8,800 | Available in Dan Murphy’s, BWS, etc. |
| Canada | CAD 120 – CAD 140 | CAD | ₹7,200 – ₹8,400 | Provincial taxes may increase prices. |
| Germany | €55–€65 | EUR | ₹5,000–₹6,000 | Easily available online (e.g., Whisky.de) |
| Japan | ¥8,000–¥9,500 | JPY | ₹4,200–₹5,000 | Good pricing; popular in whisky bars |
| Thailand | ฿2,900–฿3,400 | THB | ₹6,500–₹7,500 | High alcohol duties; available in Bangkok liquor stores |
Ways to Use Dalmore in Cocktails
While Dalmore is often savored neat, it can add a luxurious twist to cocktails. Try these:
1. Old Fashioned with Dalmore Whisky
- If you prefer wearing sunglasses at night, this flavor of an Old Fashioned is richer and more layered than the classic version.
- Ingredients: Dalmore 12, brown sugar, orange twist, and Angostura bitters.
2. Sherry Cask Manhattan Ingredients:
- Dalmore 15, vermouth doux, sherry, and some bitters. Balanced, yet fruity.
3. Highball with Dalmore Whisky
- Light, aromatic, refreshing, Dalmore 12, soda water, and lemon zest.
4. The Royal Stag Sour
- Dalmore, lemon juice, egg white, and simple syrup. Zesty, yet smooth like velvet.
- Whiskies should use premium mixers sparkling with elegance and quality.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Dalmore whisky so expensive?
A: Limited editions and older collectible variants with pricey sherry cask aging alongside luxurious packaging drive the price up.
Q2. Is Dalmore whisky worth the price?
A: Definitely. Collectors praise the whiskey for its complex, rich flavor, signature smoothness, and heritage, hence making it a top choice.
Q3. Do Indian duty-free shops have any associations with Dalmore?
A: Certainly. At international terminals, Dalmore is known to be on offer, particularly the 12- and 15 years old whiskies.