Dalmore 16 Year Old 1995 Castle Leod Home of Clan MacKenzie Limited Edition Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Signed by Richard Patterson (2011) 70cl

1 of 5000 bottles produced from American White Oak & Spanish Sherry Wood finished in Bordeaux Wine casks.

This bottle was released to raise money for the upkeep of Castle Leod, the Mackenzie clan's ancestral seat.

The move follows the successful launch last year of the brand’s Mackenzie expression, which saw 3,000 bottles sell out in less than nine months across the world, raising more than £20,000 towards castle restoration and other clan projects.

This time there will be 5,000 bottles of Dalmore Castle Leod produced with an RSP of £100, and according to Richard Paterson, the creator of this new release, this one will sell even faster than the Mackenzie whisky.

The Dalmore has a long association with the Mackenzie clan. Not only did the family once own the Highland distillery, their clan symbol - the royal stag - sits on each and every bottle of the Dalmore in a tribute to its regal heritage and aristocratic pedigree. In 1263, a member of the clan saved King Alexander III of Scotland from a charging stag and was subsequently granted the honour of using the 12-point royal stag as their crest. That in turn has been adopted by The Dalmore, along with the clan’s motto I Shine, Not Burn.

Castle Leod is nestled in the Scottish highlands just 14 miles from the Dalmore distillery. Built in 1606, it is still one of the few castles in Scotland that was built and occupied by direct descendents of the original family owners.

Richard Paterson, Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay

"Castle Leod is an exceptional single malt. It’s the first time we have released a whisky matured in barriques from one of the most revered and iconic Bordeaux houses in France."

"Having spent its initial maturation in American white oak and Spanish sherry wood, this whisky still retains The Dalmore’s ‘house style’ of orange marmalade, vanilla and spice. But its final 18 months in Bordeaux adds an extra level of pure luxury, as well as a sensual finish of kiwi, sweet pear and sweet mango."

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Exhilarating romantic notes of Rose de Mai, heady tuberose, ylang-ylang and rich narcissus are coupled with arousing notes of juicy plums, blackcurrants, bergamot and mandarin.

Palate: The "King of Grapes". the Cabernet Sauvignon from a legendary 1st cru classe Bordeaux chateau adds that extra level of pure luxury to our noble Dalmore. But again fleshy plums, raisins and citrus fruits are reinforced during this initial flirtation on the palate. Within seconds the next sensual fusion makes its presence felt when silky tones of kiwi fruit, honey, caramelised pear and sweet mango roll over from the warmth of your tongue. A final feast of crushed almonds, spicy ginger, chewy toffee and soft liquorice brings this passionate love affair to a perfect conclusion.

About Dalmore

46% ABV

70cl