The Mackenzie Dalmore limited edition
The Mackenzie family, owners of The Dalmore distillery for almost a century, provides the inspiration for The Dalmore’s iconic stag head logo and its motto “I Shine, Not Burn” which is also the clan motto.
The launch will celebrate the single act of courage that an ancestor of Clan Mackenzie made when saving King Alexander III in 1263 from being gored by a stag, a scene that is depicted in the painting.
The partnership aims to raise funds to help refurbish and maintain Castle Leod and to support a range of activities organised by The Clan Mackenzie Society of Scotland & The UK.
According to The Dalmore’s master distiller Richard Paterson this is the first step of a long-term commitment, and the brand is hoping to raise a seven figure sum in the next 10 years to help protect this important piece of Scottish history.
“Whether you are a Mackenzie or not, with only 3,000 bottles available globally, this is your chance to own a little piece of Scottish history.
I have been nurturing casks at The Dalmore and monitoring their progress for some four decades. The challenge to craft a whisky fit for the Earl and all Mackenzies was an inspiration. I am proud to be able to help the clan by creating a whisky with a regal heritage and one which is truly fit for a king…….as well as a Clan Chief!”
Here is a short video showcasing The Dalmore Mackenzie launch at the National Gallery of Scotland.
The first spirit used was distilled in 1992 and held in American white oak casks for some 11 years. The Dalmore then finessed the whisky by re-filling to fresh port pipes from the douro. The natural soft amber red hue – drawn from the port pipes – links the colour of the whisky to the blood of the injured stag. Bottled at 46% abv, the Mackenzie bottling is a commanding, intense and courageous fit for all aristocracy and proffers hints of vanilla, red fruits, spices and the brand’s classic signature citrus orange
Tasting note by Dalmore
About the whisky
- Price: about £100
(∼ 117€, $151 or 999SEK) - Age: 17 YO
- Alcohol: 46%
- Distillery: Dalmore
- Region: Highland
- Country: Scotland
- Official website
- Location (at Google)
- Buy more from same distillery (at TWE)
- Buy more from same distillery (at MoM)
- Buy The Mackenzie Dalmore limited edition
- Read more (at Wikipedia)
One of the more delicious Scotch’s I have had from the Dalmore!! So smooth & leaves a lasting impression.
Nose
Sweet with some vanilla, banana and fruit. Oily.
Tongue
Many different impressions at the same time. Strong taste but still round and fruity.
Finish
Did not last very long, short and sweet with some burned grass to it.
A very nice and interesting whisky that has become a new favourite because of it´s richness and many different flavours. A lot of things going on in the mouth at the same time!
I think this is a bit pungent and while a bit thick and oily. A fun feature is that I thought it smelled of banana foam. Really good burner, but a bit short finish.
I tasted this with my friends this weekend. We usually meet up and have a great three course dinner. This was no exception. As the dinner started quite late this time we tried some new whiskies after the starter which was a chili salad! I wondered how this would end but the salad had a mild taste. We did a tasting of
* Caol Ila 12 YO
* Clynelish 14YO
* Talisker 10YO
* Dalmore Mackenzie 17YO
* Glenfiddish 12 YO
The tasting notes for the other whiskies can be found on the corresponding pages.
Nose
Lots of vanilla and toffee. Sweet and super nice.
Tongue
Very wide, somewhat oily.
Finish
Sharp curve. Did not last too long.
Quite interesting when I tested this again with others, the Dalmore was now a favourite for this evening. It was well balanced and lovely. I do give it a lower rating as my first test.
Nose: A fresh nose, with some cherry notes and dark chocolate. A touch of spruceneedle! (really?). Very pleasant indeed. With just a hint of water and the nose is toned down.
Mouth: Quite, soft and mellow. Coffee notes and dark chocolate and citrus. The finish is dry and goes away quiet quickly. With water is lasted better.
Finish: Toffee, oranges and citrus. Very nice.
Overall: This is a really great whisky. I like more with just a hint of water. It would be nice to compare this one to the 12 YO or 21 YO. Two thumbs up for a great release.