How to taste whisky by Richard Paterson, Master Distiller for The Dalmore.
Few whiskies complement a fine cigar quite like The Dalmore. Born on the banks of the River Alness in the Northern Highlands, this iconic distillery has perfected the art of crafting rich, complex single malts with extraordinary depth — whiskies that stand proudly beside the world’s best Havanas.
The Dalmore’s signature character — smooth, sherried, and full-bodied — makes it a natural companion to a bold cigar, enhancing notes of cedar, spice and cocoa. It is a dram designed not for haste, but for reflection.
A Distillery Steeped in Character
Founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, a man whose fortune was forged on distant seas, The Dalmore began life with a spirit as daring as its founder. Set against the serene backdrop of the Cromarty Firth, the distillery draws its crystal-clear water from the River Alness, flowing down from the rugged heights of Loch Morie.
The result? A Highland whisky with a distinctive balance of floral smoothness and robust depth — refined yet assertive, much like a well-aged Partagás Serie D No.4.
Over the centuries, The Dalmore has expanded from modest beginnings to a powerhouse producing over 4.2 million litres annually, with eight copper stills — each uniquely shaped to produce a heavier, oilier spirit rich in character. These stills and their precise refluxing design help give The Dalmore its luxurious mouthfeel and signature orange-chocolate depth.
From Malt to Masterpiece
Until 1982, The Dalmore malted its own barley onsite, a traditional craft later replaced by industrial maltings. The legacy, however, remains in the distillery’s meticulous attention to flavour development. Peated malt is seldom used, ensuring a velvety Highland profile rather than an Islay-style smokiness — allowing it to pair beautifully with medium to full-bodied cigars such as the Montecristo No.2 or Cohiba Robusto.
The Dalmore’s nine warehouses — a blend of old dunnage and towering racked facilities — house more than 65,000 casks, many among the oldest stocks in Scotland. Maturation occurs predominantly in ex-bourbon barrels, but the true magic happens when the spirit rests in 30-year-old González Byass Matusalem oloroso sherry butts. These casks impart the deep mahogany hue and signature sweetness The Dalmore is known for.
A Storied Past
The Dalmore’s history is as bold as its flavour. In 1917, the nearby Firth became a naval mine-assembly base during the First World War, leading to a catastrophic explosion that destroyed much of the distillery. The ensuing legal battle between the Mackenzie family and the Royal Navy raged for years, even reaching the House of Lords — a saga of Highland perseverance worthy of its own dram.
By the 1960s, The Dalmore had become a pillar of Scottish whisky, and when Clan Mackenzie’s emblem — the Royal 12-pointed Stag — was placed upon each bottle, it became a global icon of courage and craftsmanship.
The Dalmore Range – Crafted for the Distinguished Palate
The Dalmore 12 Year Old – Andrew Mackenzie’s Masterpiece
Aged nine years in American white oak and finished in 30-year-old oloroso sherry casks, the Dalmore 12 delivers warm notes of citrus, toffee and dark chocolate. It’s a superb partner for a Romeo y Julieta No.3, enhancing the creamy sweetness of both.
The Dalmore 15 Year Old – The House Style
A classic expression of the Dalmore character, matured in three distinct sherry casks — Amoroso, Apostoles, and Matusalem — for a complex yet approachable dram. Try it with a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 for a sublime afternoon pairing.
The Dalmore 18 Year Old – Above and Beyond
Fourteen years in bourbon casks followed by four in 30-year-old Matusalem sherry butts give this whisky a bold, velvety structure with hints of espresso and marmalade. Pair with a Partagas Mille Fleur or Bolivar Royal Coronas to amplify its depth.
The Dalmore 25 Year Old – A Rarity Reborn
A masterful composition of bourbon, Palomino Fino sherry, and Tawny Port pipes, this limited expression reveals layers of vanilla, fig, and caramelised orange. Best enjoyed with a Cohiba Siglo II or Trinidad Reyes for an unforgettable finale.
Cigar Malt Reserve – One of a Kind for the Aficionado
Crafted specifically for pairing with cigars, this expression combines bourbon, Matusalem sherry, and Cabernet Sauvignon casks. Expect aromas of cinnamon, dark chocolate and red fruits — the perfect partner to a Montecristo Edmundo or H. Upmann Magnum 50. It is, quite simply, the whisky every cigar lover should experience.
King Alexander III – The Embodiment of Bravery
A tribute to Clan Mackenzie’s legendary stag emblem, this whisky unites six cask finishes — bourbon, sherry, Madeira, Marsala, Port, and Cabernet Sauvignon — creating a tapestry of flavour both opulent and noble. It pairs beautifully with bold cigars like the Cohiba Behike 54, echoing its regal complexity.
Pairing Cigars and Spirits – The Perfect Union
For centuries, whisky and cigars have shared a timeless kinship — both born from the earth, both transformed by patience and craftsmanship. In recent years, this pairing has experienced a revival, with enthusiasts rediscovering the pleasure of balancing the smoke’s earthy richness with the whisky’s warmth and sweetness.
At Simply Cigars, we believe a fine single malt deserves an equally distinguished cigar. Whether you prefer the Dalmore 15 Year Old with a creamy Romeo y Julieta, or the Cigar Malt Reserve with a bold Partagás, every pairing tells its own story of flavour and tradition.
The Dalmore Collection – Six expressions presented by Master Distiller, Richard Paterson
Discover More
To explore the full Dalmore collection and learn more about their legendary craftsmanship, visit www.thedalmore.com.
For expert cigar and whisky pairing guides, visit our Cigar & Spirits Pairing section.