Whisky Review/Tasting: Dalmore King Alexander III

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Scotland
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Distillation & Maturation Process: The Dalmore King Alexander III is a unique blend of whiskies matured in six different types of casks: Oloroso Sherry Butts, Madeira Barrels, Marsala casks, Port Pipes, and Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks.
Age Statement: Not explicitly mentioned, but the focus is on the complexity brought by the variety of casks rather than age.
Color & Clarity: Not described in detail, but implied to have a rich color due to the variety of casks used.
Bottle Design: Features a depiction of the historical event of King Alexander III being saved by a member of the Mackenzie clan. The bottle and packaging have evolved over time, with the current version including a magnet closure. The label on the reviewed bottle was noted to be scratched.

Balance of Flavors: A complex and full flavor profile with a strong impact from the sherry and fortified wine casks. The sweetness and fruitiness are balanced with spiciness and a distinct oakiness.
Unique Characteristics: The combination of six different cask types contributes to a unique and complex flavor profile, with notable flavors of red berry fruits, fresh flowers, passion fruit, citrus zest, vanilla pod, creme caramel, crushed almonds, sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, espresso, and dark chocolate.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but the complexity and intensity are highlighted as standout characteristics.

Anecdotes & Trivia: The whisky is named after King Alexander III of Scotland and celebrates a historical event from 1263 where an ancestor of the Clan Mackenzie saved the king from a charging stag. This act led to the clan being granted the right to use the 12-point stag in their coat of arms, an emblem that adorns each bottle of Dalmore. The story is further immortalized in a painting commissioned by the Clan Mackenzie in 1786.

Historical Context: The Dalmore distillery's connection to the Clan Mackenzie and the story of saving King Alexander III adds a layer of historical and cultural significance to the whisky, emphasizing its Scottish heritage and the distillery's longstanding traditions.

Opinions: Horst Luening, the master taster, describes the whisky as one of his favorites, highlighting its complexity, fullness, and the strong impact of the casks. He notes that despite its 40% ABV, the whisky has a strong and intense flavor profile.
Quotes: "It's a good story to tell, a good story to introduce the stag in the Dalmore 25 years old."

Dalmore King Alexander III is a complex single malt whisky from Scotland, matured in six different types of casks.
The flavor profile is rich and full, with a balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and spiciness, alongside a distinct oakiness.
The whisky celebrates a historical event involving King Alexander III and the Clan Mackenzie, adding depth to its storytelling and cultural significance.
Horst Luening praises the whisky's complexity and intensity, despite a potential lack of age statement.

Connoisseurs: Those with a deep appreciation for complex and unique flavor profiles will enjoy dissecting the layers of taste influenced by the variety of casks.
History and Culture Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in the historical and cultural aspects of whisky will find the backstory of King Alexander III and the Clan Mackenzie compelling.
Newbies: The intense flavors and complexity might be overwhelming for complete beginners, but those new to whisky with a keen interest in exploring different profiles might find it an intriguing choice.