In one of quirkiest distillation setups in Scotland, Dalmore distillery produces spirit that represents one of the extremes of the ever-so-difficult-to-categorize Highland region. Entirely dissimilar to its Oban, Glenmorangie or any of the other well-known Highland contenders, its character is arguably more-akin to some of the ‘Speysiders’.

Decidedly odd flat-top stills – which certainly allow a seasoned malt enthusiast a double-take when entering the still house – are in place at the distillery. One of but a handful in Scotland, Dalmore also employs water jackets – ‘bains marie’ – to promote reflux during distillation and thus lighten the resulting spirit; inconsistent still sizes add to the peculiarity. For sure an odd configuration; like Jim Furyk’s golf swing Dalmore proves that there’s no ‘right way’ of producing the goods.

Cereal led, there’s a real malt-loaf character about the spirit produced here which handles a good rest in sherry casks like a dream. As such, that’s always been the favored scheme at Dalmore, although not exclusively.

Reminiscent of the holiday season and all its glorious flavors, Dalmore is an explosive Christmas cracker that always ought to be on the table.