A Vanguard of Quality
How The Dalmore redefined world-class whisky.
Throughout the 21st century, and across the globe, well-aged single-malt scotch has seen its stature soar. Today it is commonly regarded as the most coveted of luxury liquids. But this eventuality might never have been realised if it weren’t for the patient dedication of one luxury brand. This is the story of how The Dalmore redefined world-class whisky, and how its private client team is bringing the oldest and rarest examples of such to the distinguished connoisseurs and collectors who value it most.
Our story begins back in 2002 when a single bottle of The Dalmore 62 Years Old sold at auction for an exacting sum of £25,877.50. It’s not nearly as jaw-dropping a figure as what we’ve become accustomed to in today’s secondary market of malt. At the time, however, it set a new benchmark for the most expensive whisky in the world — a title it would carry for five years (in 2017, it set a record again when it re-sold for £100,000).
It wasn’t simply some stroke of luck that allowed for this unprecedented evaluation. Ever since its founding in 1839, along the serene shores of the Cromarty Firth, The Dalmore has dedicated itself to uncompromising craftsmanship and the most patient of maturation. Legendary master distiller Richard Paterson OBE has always been willing to take these tenets to the highest order. He has presided over the process for more than half a century.
So, when it came time to introduce the world to a 62-year-old single malt, he was able to draw from a vatting of casks that were considerably older than that; the most senior of them stretching back to the 1860s. Even if he only had enough stock to fill 12 bottles, it was something so exceptional, he knew he had to share with the world. In so doing, he established the dual pillars all connoisseurs have come to expect in ultra-luxe scotch: age and rarity.
The Dalmore remains the premiere purveyor of each. Indeed, the distillery has remained at the vanguard of the space through a ceaseless parade of exceedingly precious collections: historic one-offs such as Decades; ongoing showcases such as the Cask Curation Series, or artistic collaborations like The Luminary Series. All of them share a focus on quality, craftsmanship and beauty — between and beyond the glass.
Rarer still are those select few who get to own it by the cask. Only the most distinguished of private clients are afforded this access. They unlock the most cobwebbed corners of the warehouse and roll away priceless treasure.
“We are the custodians and gatekeepers of some of the oldest and rarest casks in the world,” says John Barclay, who manages private client relations. “Purchasing a private cask from The Dalmore represents a unique opportunity to access something truly magical and convert a lifelong passion for a whisky steeped in history, provenance and complexity into a reality.”
And the primary purpose of the private client relationship team is to guarantee those unique opportunities are seized by those who prize and prioritise them. As the rare whisky sector became increasingly appealing to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, it became exceedingly clear to The Dalmore that measures must be taken to safeguard its most cherished stock: to reserve it exclusively for the most discerning of palates; the most dedicated of enthusiasts.
“Whether it’s an extremely rare bottling, an unobtainable collection or a private cask, our job is to make sure our most-sought-after whiskies make it into the hands of those that desire them the most,” confirms Gerry Tosh, rare whisky director. “To become a private client of The Dalmore is to become part of an exceptionally exclusive group.”
And that exclusive group enjoys more than just magical liquid. It amasses individualised experiences, unrivalled in the industry. These include special engagements at The Dalmore’s historic Highland home, peering out over this pristine landscape alongside celebrated icons of the craft.
“We have invitation only spaces where we host our private client VIP guests and where they can taste some of the oldest and rarest casks of Dalmore that they won’t find anywhere else in the world,” says Kirsty Mulholland, private client experience manager. “Selecting your own cask is, for many, a once in a lifetime opportunity, so for our private clients this really is the highlight of the experience. We have a private client showcase at the brand home where we show clients how their own individually personalised cask of The Dalmore can be beautifully packaged once bottled.”
It’s true that the distillery warehouses here house some of the finest wine and sherry casks on Earth. It’s a big reason why the signature style of the brand careens toward rich and robust tones of over-ripened fruit. But for the true connoisseur, the world’s original luxury single malt sips that much sweeter when poured from a bespoke bottling. You can’t put a price on that, although the secondary market will certainly try.
“From The Paterson Collection, and the Constellation Collection, to The Dalmore Decades and The Luminary Series, whiskies from The Dalmore have fetched astronomical sums,” says Stephen Martin, private client relationship manager. “In the eyes of some of the most committed whisky drinkers, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world, a rare distillery release from The Dalmore is a genuine treasure.”
To hear about the latest rare releases from The Dalmore you can contact the private client team at p
