The changing face of the premium whisky drinker

 

It is not so long ago that the image of your average whisky drinker was an old buffer with a red nose wearing a tweed jacket with leather patches.

Fast forward and today's Scotch drinker might well be a hipster in an inner-city cocktail bar enjoying a whisky-based cocktail.

The whisky market has changed rapidly - with increased demand for unique, quality product.

The style of whisky matters to more knowledgeable consumers - as does the way it was matured.

For over 180 years, The Dalmore has been known for multi-cask maturation, hand-selecting casks from the world's finest producers of sherry, and rum, and using them to craft layered whiskies of finesse.

The Dalmore is part of the Whyte and Mackay group that sells single malt and blended Scotch whiskies, liqueurs and vodkas. 

Even in a fast-changing market there is increased demand for a premium product like The Dalmore - and the company is boosting its presence and increasing stocks in Australia, says charming brand whisky specialist Mark Bruce. 

“The Dalmore is a brand that promises nothing less than the best, with a relentless focus on realising the full potential of our single malt and delivering whisky that is first in its class and a masterpiece of its craft," he says. 

" Right now is an exciting time for The Dalmore in Australia: we have stronger distribution and availability than ever before, and we are thrilled to be in a position where more people are able to experience our portfolio of unparalleled single malt whiskies.

"There is very definitely a changing demographic in the spirits space that began with the popularity of gin and vodka. There is more and more growth and more and more demand - but there is still a focus on quality. 

"Globally recognised brands like The Dalmore are still very much at the forefront for serious whisky lovers. We are also finding there is increasing interest in learning more about the process and different ways of enjoying whisky - and Australia is a definite focus for us over the next decade."

Founded in 1839 on the banks of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore has a history dating back over 180 years.

It is easy to spot on shelves crowded with whiskies from around the world with a 12-point silver stag emblem on each bottle. The emblem was bestowed upon Colin of Kintail, the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie, after he saved the life of King Alexander III of Scotland from the fury of a charging stag.

At the home of The Dalmore, the distillery has an idiosyncratic collection of stills, and a range of casks that have been at some of the world’s finest wineries, bodegas and rum distilleries.

Leading The Dalmore’s range is the Principal Collection, a collection of eight single malt whiskies.

The Dalmore 21-Year-Old is the pinnacle of the collection - finished in 30-year-old Gonzalez Byass Matusalem Oloroso Sherry casks. It also features the annual release of The Dalmore 18-Year-Old and the King Alexander III.

I tried the very smooth and distinctive Port Wood Reserve - matured in American ex bourbon barrels and aged tawny port pipes - which is deliciously fruity and nutty and at the more affordable end of the range. It can also be used in a highball cocktail. 

The Principal Collection and wider portfolio are now available across retailers nationally, including Dan Murphy's. For more details see https://www.thedalmore.com/en-gb/