Reviewed by Tamara Fodora

Dalmore has a rich history that dates back to 1263, the iconic 12 point Royal stag logo was granted as an emblem for the Mackenzie clan after the clan leader saved King Alexander III from a charging stag.
This emblem moved on to become the unique logo that many have become familiar with over the years. From humble beginnings in 1867 till date, Dalmore rapidly ascended the ladder of popularity in 2002, when a 62 year old bottle of Dalmore was sold for £25,877.50 at an auction, and in the same year, Dalmore started expanding their range of single malts from a single 12 year expression to the wide selection available today.
A Quick Look at Our Top 9 Dalmore Whiskies
- Best Dalmore whisky for experienced whisky connoisseurs: Dalmore 21 Year Single Malt
- Best Dalmore whisky for cigar lovers: Dalmore Cigar Reserve
- Best Dalmore whisky for special events: Dalmore 15 Year Single Malt
- Best whisky for Dalmore beginners: Dalmore 12 Year Single Malt
- Best Dalmore whisky for those who enjoy variety: Dalmore King Alexander III Single Malt
- Best Dalmore whisky for luxury seekers: Dalmore 18 Year Single Malt
- Best Dalmore whisky for after-dinner enjoyment: Dalmore Dominium Single Malt
- Best port cask finish: Dalmore Port Wood Single Malt
- Best Dalmore whisky for fruity cocktails: Dalmore Valour Single Malt
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how it's made
1. Best for Experienced Whisky Connoisseurs
- Price: $1,206.95 - $1,450.00
- ABV: 42%
Finished in 30 year old Oloroso Sherry casks, the Dalmore 21 Year offers a well-aged expression with a balance of citrusy and indulgent flavors. This makes it the most sophisticated and luxurious whisky in the principal collection.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye: Amber gold
- Nose: Fresh fauna, pepper, wet wood, walnut
- Palate: Roasted chestnuts, orange peel, almond
- Finish: Long strokes of sherry, oiled leather, vanilla
2. Best for Cigar Lovers
Best for Cigar Lovers
Dalmore Cigar Reserve Single Malt
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- Price: $239.95 - $285.00
- ABV: 44%
Part of Dalmore’s principal collection, Dalmore Cigar Reserve is specifically crafted to complement cigars. It is matured in a mix of ex-bourbon, Matusalem Sherry and Cabernet Sauvignon casks, offering a rich and indulgent flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the smoking experience. Perfect pairing with the Partagas Serie D No4.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye: Honey amber
- Nose: Caramel, coffee, shortbread, cloves
- Palate: Burnt toffee and orange peels, dark chocolate, sherry
- Finish: Long and robust, with hints of espresso and tobacco, cloves
3. Best for Special Events
- Price: $191.73 - $220.00
- ABV: 40%
Part of Dalmore’s principal collection, Dalmore 15 Year is matured in Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso Sherry casks, bringing a true Dalmore experience to the palate.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye: Golden amber
- Nose: Potpourri, chocolate flakes, orange peel, sherry
- Palate: Dark chocolate, oranges, winter spices, ginger, anise
- Finish: Medium, dark expresso, malt, cedar stick smoke
4. Best for Dalmore Beginners
- Price: $148.93 - $172.00
- ABV: 40%
From being the only single malt Dalmore ever produced to being part of the principal collection, Dalmore 12 Year is a classic expression from the distillery. It features a combination of American oak and sherry cask maturation, bringing a true taste of heritage and a finish as long as Dalmore’s heritage.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye: Amber
- Nose: Roasted coffee beans, butter, ripe oranges, and vanilla
- Palate: Dark chocolate, winter spices, toffee, and orange zest
- Finish: Medium finish, a lingering sweetness with hints of spices
5. Best for Those Who Enjoy Variety
Best for Variety Seekers
Dalmore King Alexander III Single Malt
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- Price: $315.00 - $380.00
- ABV: 40%
The crown jewel of the Principal collection, with a prestige that is reflected in the beautiful box it comes with, Dalmore King Alexander III is matured in a variety of cask types, including bourbon, Madeira, and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a complex whisky that offers a harmonious blend of flavors.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye: Deep amber
- Nose: Aromas of red fruits, honey, and vanilla
- Palate: Layers of flavors, including chocolate, spices, and hints of tropical fruits
- Finish: Long and smooth, with a combination of sweet, fruity, and nutty notes
6. Best for Luxury Seekers
- Price: $244.50 - $290.00
- ABV: 43%
Part of Dalmore’s principal collection, Dalmore 18 Year is matured in American white oak and rare Matusalem Sherry butts, creating a whisky with a complex flavor profile and a luxurious character.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye: Rich amber
- Nose: Christmas fruit cake, espresso, orange marmalade
- Palate: Dark chocolate, candied citrus fruits, Nutmeg with hints of almonds
- Finish: Smooth and long-lasting, molasses with a gentle spray of citrus
7. Best for After-Dinner Enjoyment
- Price: $190.95 - $239.00
- ABV: 43%
The most premium offering in the Fortuna Meritas collection, Dominium means ‘ownership’ and this whisky is a reference to the story of how the Mackenzie clan saved King Alexander III from a charging stag. For that, they were granted the use of the twelve point royal stag emblem in their whisky productions.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye: Amber gold
- Nose: Aromas of red berries, honey, and gingerbread
- Palate: Flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and spices, with hints of vanilla and cinnamon
- Finish: Rich and lingering, with notes of caramel and oak
8. Best Port Cask Finish
Best Port Cask Finish
Dalmore Port Wood Reserve Single Malt
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- Price: $184.59 - $205.00
- ABV: 46.5%
Dalmore Port Wood is initially aged in White Oak casks, finished in Tawny Port pipes from well known port producer W&J Grahams. This results in a whisky with a rich fruity character and a velvety mouthfeel.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye: Deep ruby
- Nose: Prunes, raspberries, and a touch of dark chocolate
- Palate: Cocoa, dried apricot, ginger
- Finish: Touch of earthy bitterness that balances out later with lingering honey, tobacco
9. Best for Fruity Whisky Cocktails
- Price: $138.80 - $152.68
- ABV: 40%
Part of the Fortuna Meritas collection, Dalmore Valour is a non-age statement whisky that is aged in ex-bourbon casks, Oloroso casks, and finished in Tawny Port pipes in Douru, offering a delightful combination of sweet and spicy notes.
Experience and Flavours
- Eye: Amber gold
- Nose: Shortbread, toffee, and orange peels
- Palate: Chocolate, nutmeg, with hints of toasted almonds
- Finish: Long and warm, with a touch of cinnamon and a lasting sweetness
Enjoy the Best of Dalmore
And there we have it, the list of the best Dalmore whiskies available at Paneco! If you’re still considering, we’d like to add that the 12 point stag emblem is a thing of class and beauty, adding a touch of opulence to any gift option, and the whisky comes in boxes as classy as the emblem to complete the perfect gift for any occasion, so why not?
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