Whisky Focus - Dalmore Distillery Select Series 2026 14 Year Old Finished in Semisecco Marsala Casks

Highland single malt whisky maker The Dalmore has announced the latest expression in its Distillery Select Series, a collection of highly limited, hand-selected whiskies drawn from the distillery’s historic Highland stocks.

Launched in 2024, the Distillery Select Series gives whisky enthusiasts the chance to discover rare parcels from The Dalmore’s dunnage warehouses. Each release is deliberately selected in small quantities, with the focus placed on exceptional quality and distinctive character.

For the 2026 edition, The Dalmore’s whisky makers examined its extensive reserves to identify a whisky that would showcase a different side of the distillery while retaining the characteristics associated with its signature house style. The result is a 14-year-old single malt finished in Semisecco Marsala casks.

The 2026 release is a Semisecco Marsala finish, aged for 14 years and bottled at 53.7% ABV. The whisky was initially matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels before spending a further one year and nine months in Semisecco Marsala casks.

The Semisecco Marsala barriques bring additional sweetness, warmth and depth to the whisky. The medium-sweet Sicilian fortified wine contributes layers of candied citrus, honeyed fruit, roasted nuts and gentle spice, adding further complexity to the underlying spirit.

The resulting whisky combines depth and complexity with a pronounced Marsala influence, while retaining the distinctive character of The Dalmore.

On the nose, floral aromas combine with sweet clementine, stone fruit, honeyed malt, grape must and spiced vanilla. The palate develops notes of candied orange peel, sweet pear, toffee and brioche, accompanied by subtle walnut, clove and cinnamon. The finish brings sweet citrus and rich oak, with lingering festive spice.

As with previous releases in the series, the 2026 expression has been produced in extremely limited quantities. Just 1,110 bottles have been produced, with the whisky presented at natural colour and without chill filtration.

The Distillery Select Series was created to showcase The Dalmore’s whisky-making heritage and provide enthusiasts with a closer insight into the distillery’s approach. The series highlights the influence of the spirit itself, the complexity created through careful cask selection and the expertise of the whisky makers in crafting each limited release.

Initially, the Distillery Select Series was available exclusively through The Dalmore’s boutiques, both online and in selected international markets. Following the reopening of The Dalmore’s Highland home earlier this year, visitors who book an experience at the reimagined brand home will also be able to purchase the series from the distillery boutique, exclusively as guests.

The Dalmore Distillery Select 2026 will be priced at £350 and will go on general release from 31 August 2026. Members of The Dalmore Guild will have the opportunity to purchase the whisky in advance and will be notified by email.

You will also find the current Dalmore whisky range available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

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