Dalmore King Alexander III is one of the more complex vattings created by Master Blender Richard Paterson. It is crafted to honour the act of saving Scotland’s King in 1263 as a mix of six cask types: ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem sherry casks, Madeira barrels, Marsala, Port and Cabernet Sauvignon.
King Alexander III was first released in 2008 as the pinnacle of a blender’s single malts that manage to combine so many different components (and hide most of what’s inside anyway). Above all a homage to cask experimentation. Unfortunately 40% ABV is really below par.
Dalmore King Alexander III (40%, OB +/- 2021)
Nose: brightly sherried, a really nice style that reminds us of cognac in a way. A mix of sour oranges and pink grapefruit, with rancio and chocolate. Plums and raisins, some berry fruits, a little tobacco. Subtle herbal tea, heather honey and mint in the background. Really good, I like this refined and fruity profile.
Mouth: same thoughts, it’s light-footed and elegant but it tends to fall flat after a while. Full of oranges again, marmalade, sour berries and red plums. Some leathery notes with polished oak, a hint of cinnamon, clove and pipe tobacco. Dark chocolate. There’s a slightly woody bitterness towards the end – this is the part where the ABV is perhaps a advantage.
Finish: a bit short now. Fruit tea, chocolate and a hint of aniseed.
This is one of the best core range Dalmores in my opinion, and a near triumph if not for the weak middle and short finish. Really great flavours though. It can be hard to find a full bottle at times, so here’s a chance to try it without breaking the bank. You can get a full sample set from The Whisky Exchange.