The 18, as The Dalmore refers to this release, displays an age statement of 18 years. The first 14 years of this single malt’s existence are spent aging in American white oak ex-bourbon casks. This portion of the process is fairly standard in terms of many Scotch whiskies. It is in the late maturation stages that this particular release defines itself.

A relationship with the González Byass sherry house has resulted in an exclusive selection of 30-year-old Matusalem oloroso sherry butts being provided to The Dalmore. This is where the whisky is transferred in order to mature for a final four years prior to bottling.

The distillery describes the 18-year-old as “an evolution” of the house style. Let’s taste and see what exactly that means.