RAPID CITY, S.D. — After weeks of Tennessee whiskey during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the focus has shifted north to the Scottish Highlands and a bottle of Dalmore 12.
“We’ve had a lot of Jack Daniel’s over the last ten days,” co-host Rob said. “This is a nice reset. After one style of whiskey for so long, switching to something like this is a completely different experience.”
Dalmore Distillery, located on the Cromarty Firth, has been producing whisky since 1839. The single malt is known for its silver stag emblem, a 12-point royal symbol granted to the Mackenzie clan in the 13th century after an ancestor saved King Alexander III from a charging stag.
“That stag on the bottle isn’t just decoration,” co-host Mark said. “It’s the actual emblem used by the king. Nobody else can use it. It’s part of what makes Dalmore instantly recognizable.”
The 12-year-old expression is matured using a split cask method. Half ages in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, bringing notes of vanilla and toffee. The other half matures in Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez, Spain, seasoned for decades with a blend of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries, adding flavors of raisin and fig.
Tasting notes include orange peel, cocoa and soft oak on the nose; milk chocolate, brown sugar and baked stone fruit on the palate; and a medium finish with dried fruit and a creamy texture. Bottled at 80 proof, the whisky can be enjoyed neat, with water or over ice.
“This is smooth and creamy, not peaty, and really easy to drink,” Rob said. “It’s one of those Scotches you can share with friends who might be new to single malts.”
Dalmore 12 retails for about $50 to $65 and is widely available. The distillery also offers older expressions and the Cigar Malt, known for its richer, more robust profile.
“If you want a Highland malt with history and a flavor that’s easy to love, this is it,” Mark said.