Dalmore King Alexander III Single Highland Malt Whisky 40%

Six cask types in one bottle. Not because it reads well on a label, but because Dalmore wanted to see how many layers you can put into a whisky before it falls apart.

Expert description

Dalmore King Alexander III is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in six different cask types and bottled at 40%.

The whisky brings together components from bourbon casks, oloroso sherry casks, Madeira casks, Marsala casks, port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon casks. When it appeared it was the first single malt built on that many different cask types. The name refers to King Alexander III, who according to legend was saved from a charging stag by an ancestor of Clan Mackenzie — and in gratitude granted the clan the right to carry the animal on its arms. It is the same stag that appears on every Dalmore bottle today.

Tasting notes

Nose

Layered and sweet. Red fruit, orange and vanilla first, then raisin, marzipan and a warm spiced note from the port and Madeira.

Palate

Soft and round. Passion fruit, citrus and caramel meet dried fruit, chocolate and spice, while the many cask types settle in layers rather than colliding.

Finish

Long and soft, with fruit, spice and a lightly dry oak note.

Specifications

Name: Dalmore King Alexander III Single Highland Malt Whisky 40%
Distillery: The Dalmore
Region/Country: Highlands Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 40 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon, oloroso sherry, Madeira, Marsala, port and Cabernet Sauvignon casks
Edition: King Alexander III
EAN no.: 5013967005044

Flavour profile

Fruity · Sherried · Spiced · Soft · Complex

Investment potential

Medium. The bottle is a fixture in the Dalmore range, but nobody else has repeated the six-cask concept — and demand for the house's upper tier has climbed steadily.

Did you know?

Marrying six cask types sounds simple but requires each component to mature separately and only be brought together at the end. The distilling team at Dalmore therefore has to hit the balance in six directions at once — and do it again on the next batch.

See our full range of Dalmore Whisky

Frequently asked questions about Dalmore King Alexander III

Which six cask types are involved?

Bourbon casks, oloroso sherry casks, Madeira casks, Marsala casks, port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon casks. Each component matures separately and is only married at the end.

Why is it called King Alexander III?

After the Scottish king who according to legend was saved from a charging stag in 1263 by an ancestor of Clan Mackenzie. In return the clan received the right to carry the stag on its arms.

Does it not get messy with that many casks?

No, and that is the point. The casks settle in layers rather than fighting each other, because each component is fully matured before being blended in. The result is broad rather than chaotic.

Why only 40 percent?

Because the balance between six cask types is easier to hold at a lower strength. At a higher percentage the most powerful casks would easily drown the fine notes from Madeira and Marsala.

Does it make a good gift?

The story behind the bottle makes it easy to pass on, and the soft, fruit-sweet style has broad appeal. It needs no explaining to be enjoyed.

What is Highland whisky known for?

It is Scotland's largest region and the style runs from light and floral to heavy and sherried. See the full spread in our Highland Whisky.