Whyte & Mackay has revealed The Dalmore Decades, a ‘once in a lifetime’ selection of six single malt whiskies, that celebrates six decades of whisky excellence.
The rarefied range offers some of The Dalmore’s most exceptional whiskies, with each bottle representing a different milestone for the brand. The collection ranges from one of the oldest liquids released by The Dalmore to the first-ever Scotch created in the new millennium.
The Dalmore Decades is a celebration of the creators and stories behind each bottle. Whyte & Mackay is releasing only three collections of The Dalmore Decades in very limited quantities: The No. 6 Collection, the No. 5 Collection and the No.4 Collection.
The Dalmore Decades range underscores Whyte & Mackay’s commitment to the growing prestige plus price segment, which according to Travel Retail Director Richard Trimby is one of the sector’s most dynamic.
He said: “Travel retail is the ideal channel to showcase exceptional masterpieces from The Dalmore in both duty free and digital channels, allowing us to recruit millions of luxury consumers into the brand franchise.
“We only wish we could have more of these exceptional masterpieces from The Dalmore to meet the incredible demand for it in the travel retail channel.”
The first and unique set, the No.6 Collection, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in October, with a significant portion of the proceeds to be donated to the V&A Museum Dundee, Scotland’s first premiere design museum.
The donation is part of a four-year arts and design partnership between The Dalmore and the V&A Museum, which aims to champion Scottish culture and nurture creative talent.
Over the last 50 years, The Dalmore Master Distiller Richard Paterson has been on a mission to push the boundaries of whisky creation. The Dalmore Decades is a culmination of Paterson’s tenure, a testament to his know-how and to the quality of The Dalmore’s exceptionally rare casks.
“Over the past 50 years, I have kept a watchful eye over our superlative inventory of rare whiskies, giving them the guidance to mature and reach their full potential in the finest casks sourced from around the world,” commented Paterson.
“Each bottle marks a very special milestone in the brand’s history and has a unique story to tell, which I hope the lucky collector will enjoy with those closest to them. If the last year has taught us anything, it is that life is to be enjoyed now.
“This collection is a memento of our 180-year history in the making. We are proud to share the pinnacle of six decades of whisky making, the result of potential earned and honed over time.”
The No. 6 Collection
The Dalmore Decades 1951
This 60 year-old single malt has been matured in twin sherry casks and offers notes of black treacle, ginger spice and cocoa powder. It is one of the oldest whiskies ever released by The Dalmore, and the last to be distilled during the Mackenzie family [Founders and owners of The Dalmore].
The Dalmore Decades 1967
This 53 year-old single malt was laid down in 1967, in the same year that The Dalmore stillhouse was erected. The expression offers complex layers of clementine, ground coffee and muscovado and was matured in a Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine barrique.
The Dalmore Decades 1979
This 40 year-old single malt celebrates the long-standing partnership between The Dalmore and Spanish fortified and table winemakers González Byass. The 1979 expression was initially matured in fine Matusalem Oloroso sherry butts before a final maturation in a Graham’s Port Vintage 1952. It offers bright notes of sultanas and toasted pistachios, finishing with hints of maple syrup, pineapple and dates.
The Dalmore Decades 1980
This 40 year-old single malt was initially matured in Bourbon casks and then moved into Matusalem sherry butts, before spending more than five years back in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, representing a reversal of The Dalmore’s traditional maturation processes. The 1980 expression offers gentle notes of bitter chocolate, marzipan and cocoa powder.
The Dalmore Decades 1995
The 90’s marked the introduction of The Dalmore’s bell-shaped bottle. The 1995 expression was matured in ex-Bourbon casks and finished in Tintilla de Rota port pipes. It offers notes of red berries, glazed nectarines, frangipane and pecan pie.
The Dalmore Decades 2000
On 1 January 2000, just three minutes after midnight, The Dalmore became the first distillery in Scotland to run a new spirit of the stills in the new millennium. The final whisky in the range, the 2000 expression was matured for 20 years in Matusalem Oloroso sherry butts. It offers notes of black maraschino cherry and bitter chocolate on the palate, with hints of liquorice and tarte Tatin.
The No. 5 Collection
The Dalmore has also released The No. 5 Collection, comprised of 15 collectible The Dalmore Decades sets. Each of the 15 sets mirror the colours of the brand’s Principal Collection, with every decanter featuring a different-coloured stopper.
The No. 5 Collection contains five of the masterpiece The Dalmore Decades whiskies from 1967, 1979, 1980, 1995 and 2000. The No. 5 Collection bottles have been engraved with exclusive set numbers and displayed on a striking pedestal, enhancing its appeal for collectors.
Five sets of the No.5 Collection will be launched in the travel retail channel. They will be available through China Duty Free Group in Hainan; Duty Zero by CDF at Hong Kong International Airport;Ever Rich Duty Free in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport; Lotte Travel Retail Singapore at Changi Airport; and DFS during its next Master of Wines and Spirits showcase in Macau. The No. 5 Collection is priced at US$270,000.
The No. 4 Collection
The Dalmore has also revealed the No. 4 Collection, which contains four of The Dalmore Decades whiskies from 1979, 1980, 1995 and 2000.
The No. 4 Collection is available in 25 sets with each unique decanter engraved with exclusive set numbers, a black collar and stopper. Each set is displayed within a bespoke display pedestal, with individual compartments to house each bottle.
Sets from the No. 4 Collection will be available in travel retail through China Duty Free Group in Hainan and Lotte Duty Free at Incheon International Airport. The No. 4 Collection is priced at US$135,000.
Whyte & Mackay is among a stellar line-up of wines and spirits exhibitors participating at the upcoming Virtual Travel Retail Expo.
