The Dalmore is a distillery in Alness, Scotland, located about 20 mi (32 km) north of Inverness. The waters of the River Alness (River Averon), which runs through the village, are used to produce its whiskies.The distillery is best known for producing a single malt scotch whisky of the same name. Its location and flavour qualify it as a "Highland malt". The Dalmore distillery is owned and operated by Whyte and Mackay Ltd, which is owned by United Breweries Group, a large Indian conglomerate.

Establishment

The Distillery was established in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, a trader who made his fortune in illegal opium imports from the Far East. It sits on the banks of the Cromarty Firth overlooking the Black Isle, the "big meadowland", from which it takes its name. The distillery was bought by the MacKenzie family in 1886.It has been passed down that in 1263, a predecessor of the Clan MacKenzie saved King Alexander III from a rampaging stag whilst out hunting. In reward, the King allowed him to bear the Royal emblem of a 12-pointed stag in his coat of arms. Recently, the MacKenzie motto Luceo non Uro or I shine, not burn has also been taken up by Dalmore.In a renewed effort to popularise the brand, the packaging was recently re-designed, which includes the addition of the Dalmore's "twelve-pronged stag" from the clan crest on each bottle.

Whiskies

The award-winning Dalmore Single Highland Malt Whisky Collection is matured in a wooden casks (both sherry wood and American white oak) which, along with the years and the climate, contributes to the flavour of each malt.The Dalmore is aimed at both the mainstream and high-class markets. "The 50" is the oldest, and most expensive, whisky sold by the distillery, and only available 10 cl bottles, of which only 242 were produced. Apart from winning a Gold Quality Award at the 2006 World Quality Selections, organized by Monde Selection, "the 40" won gold at the International Wine and Spirit Challenge Awards in both 2007 and 2008.