The Dalmore 18 Year is one of the most coveted age-stated single malts in the Highlands, a whisky prized for its depth, its sherry-cask richness, and its unmistakably regal presentation. We pour it at Grappa in Queen Anne, Seattle, for those evenings that call for something truly memorable.
About the Distillery
The Dalmore distillery sits on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Northern Highlands, founded in 1839 and crowned by its iconic twelve-point royal stag emblem. The distillery is renowned for its long-standing partnership with the Gonzalez Byass bodega in Jerez, which supplies the rare sherry casks that define so much of The Dalmore’s character. Master distillers here are celebrated for their artistry with cask maturation, layering spirit across exceptional oak to build complexity.
Style & Region
This is a Highland single malt in the richest, most luxurious sense. The 18 Year spends its early life in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before a long, transformative maturation in prized Matusalem oloroso sherry casks from Jerez. That extended time in sherry wood gives the whisky its deep amber color and its signature dried-fruit opulence. It is unpeated, polished, and built around the interplay of fine oak and sweet sherry influence.
Tasting Notes
Expect a sumptuous, dark-fruited pour: plums, raisins, and orange marmalade lead, joined by toffee, coffee cream, and bittersweet chocolate. There are notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and warm baking spice, with a rich, lingering finish that carries gentle oak and a whisper of spice. It is decadent yet beautifully balanced, a whisky to savor slowly.
What to Pair It With
The Dalmore 18’s dried-fruit richness is a natural match for our charcuterie board, where cured meats meet its sherry sweetness. It is equally glorious alongside our flourless chocolate cake, the whisky’s cocoa and coffee notes echoing the dessert. For a heartier match, try it with our American Wagyu steaks. Browse the full dine-in menu.
How It’s Served at Grappa
We pour The Dalmore 18 neat at $30. We recommend it neat, or with a few drops of water, to let its sherried depth fully unfold.
FAQ
Where is it from?
The Dalmore 18 is a Highland single malt Scotch made at The Dalmore distillery on the Cromarty Firth in the Northern Highlands of Scotland, founded in 1839.
What does it taste like?
It is rich and sherried, with plums, raisins, and orange marmalade alongside toffee, coffee cream, bittersweet chocolate, and warm baking spice on a long finish.
How is it matured?
It begins in American ex-bourbon oak, then spends its later years in rare Matusalem oloroso sherry casks from Jerez, which give it its deep color and dried-fruit richness.
To enjoy The Dalmore 18 with us, book a table, browse the cocktail & spirits list, and the dine-in menu.
