Dalmore 12 Year Sherry Cask Select 750ML

Dalmore 12 Year Sherry Cask Select 750ML is a 43% ABV Highland single malt Scotch whisky aged 12 years and finished in hand-selected sherry casks. This expression earned 96 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge, cementing its reputation as one of the most decorated sherry-finished single malts in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43%  |  Origin: Highlands, Scotland  |  Age: 12 Years  |  Distillery: The Dalmore

Production & Heritage

The Dalmore distillery, located on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, has produced single malt whisky since 1839. The 12 Year Sherry Cask Select is distilled from 100% malted barley in copper pot stills, initially matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. What distinguishes this expression is Dalmore's collaboration with three renowned Andalucian cooperages—Tevasa, Vasyma, and Paez—each of which created a unique blend of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry specifically to season the European and American oak finishing casks, a custom approach rarely seen in the industry.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Caramelized orange and honey open the nose, followed by ginger, sultanas, and cherry syrup. Deeper exploration reveals wet walnuts and pomegranate seeds layered with dry Oloroso sherry influence.

Taste: The entry is rich with dark chocolate and crushed almonds, moving into a mid-palate of cooked prunes, blackberry cobbler, and raisin bread pudding. A dusting of cinnamon bridges the transition from fruit to spice, while hints of fudge, toffee, and orange zest linger throughout.

Finish: Medium-long, with sweet mangoes, panna cotta, and lemon sponge cake trailing off gently. The sherry influence stays present without overwhelming, leaving a warm, spiced conclusion.

How to Drink the Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask

Neat or with a few drops of water is the most rewarding approach—water opens up the deeper sherry and chocolate notes without diluting the finish. A single large ice cube also works well, particularly in warmer weather. For cocktails, the sherry-forward character lends itself well to a Rob Roy, where the dark fruit and spice amplify sweet vermouth; a Blood and Sand, where the orange and cherry notes dovetail naturally with the recipe's blood orange and Cherry Heering; and a Boulevardier, where the chocolate and toffee backbone stands up to Campari's bitterness.

Best For

• Gifting a whisky enthusiast who appreciates sherry-matured Scotch
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or dark chocolate
• Building a Highland single malt collection beyond standard bourbon-cask expressions
• Hosting a comparative tasting of sherry-finished whiskies

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask taste like? It leads with dark chocolate, crushed almonds, and caramelized orange, supported by cooked prunes, blackberry cobbler, and warm cinnamon spice. The finish is medium-long with sweet mango and panna cotta notes.

How does the Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask compare to Glenmorangie Lasanta? Both are Highland single malts finished in sherry casks, but the Dalmore uses a custom sherry blend created across three Andalucian cooperages, resulting in a denser, darker fruit profile. Glenmorangie Lasanta, finished in Oloroso and PX sherry casks from a lighter ex-bourbon base, tends to be more citrus-forward and delicate by comparison.

Is the Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask good for sipping neat? Yes—at 43% ABV it drinks smoothly without needing water, though a few drops can open up additional layers of chocolate and dried fruit. It is well-suited for both experienced drinkers and those exploring sherry-matured Scotch for the first time.

Where is the Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask made? It is produced at The Dalmore distillery in Alness, in the Scottish Highlands along the Cromarty Firth. The distillery has been operating since 1839 and is currently owned by Whyte & Mackay.

What foods pair well with the Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and almond notes. Aged Manchego brings out the sherry-cask influence. Fig and walnut bread mirrors the dried fruit character. Crème brûlée echoes the panna cotta and caramel on the finish. Roasted duck with orange glaze resonates with the caramelized orange aroma.

What sizes does the Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask come in? The standard size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is the Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask worth the price? It positions as a mid-range Highland single malt, competing above entry-level 12-year-olds thanks to its custom sherry cask finishing process and strong critical recognition, including 96 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.

Why the Dalmore 12 Sherry Cask?

The bespoke cooperage program with Tevasa, Vasyma, and Paez sets this whisky apart from nearly every other sherry-finished single malt in its class—most distilleries source pre-seasoned casks rather than commissioning custom sherry blends for their own barrels. That approach delivers a layered, deeply fruited profile backed by a 96-point rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge. At 12 years old and 43% ABV, it strikes a balance between accessibility and complexity that rewards both casual drinking and focused tasting. For anyone building familiarity with sherry-matured Scotch, this expression makes its case clearly and without apology.