Highlands, 43.8% ABV
Created exclusively for the U.S. market

Highland Scotch tends to split the difference between smoky coastal malts and the softer Speyside style—bigger, richer, and more structured, often with that classic interplay of citrus, spice, malt sweetness, and sherry cask depth. Founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth, The Dalmore has practically built its reputation on that profile. All of their products are instantly recognizable for the royal stag emblem on every bottle, a tribute to the Clan Mackenzie legend in which Colin of Kintail saved King Alexander III from a charging stag in 1263. How Scottish!

The 14 Year, recently released in 2022 as part of The Dalmore Principal Collection, leans hard into Pedro Ximénez sherry casks sourced from historic Jerez producer González Byass, layering in darker, sweeter tones than the standard bottlings. Matured first in ex-bourbon barrels, then finessed in PX casks, it delivers notes of orange peel, cocoa, maple, dried figs, and woodsy spices without tipping into syrupy territory. Plush, luxurious, and gloriously warming at a modest 43.8% ABV, this is exactly the sort of Scotch to reach for after a hearty steak dinner or as a nightcap.