Dalmore Select Edition 2007 & 2010 Review and Price

The Dalmore just dropped two limited-edition single malts worth your attention: the Select Edition 2007 and Select Edition 2010. These bottles come from the distillery's annual warehouse assessment, where whisky makers spend a full week each November hand-picking the best casks from years of maturation. The 2007 runs $549.99 for an 18-year whisky at 46.7% ABV, while the 2010 costs $249.99 for a 15-year expression at 49.1% ABV. Both are non-chill filtered, natural color, and finished in hand-selected sherry casks from González Byass.

What You're Getting in Each Bottle

The Dalmore Select Editions are one-time releases, meaning once they're gone, that's it. Here's the breakdown on both expressions:

• Select Edition 2007: 18 years old, 46.7% ABV (93.4 proof), $549.99. Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in Apóstoles and Amoroso sherry casks.
• Select Edition 2010: 15 years old, 49.1% ABV (98.2 proof), $249.99. Also started in ex-bourbon barrels, finished in Matusalem and Amoroso sherry casks.

Both come in powder-blue packaging with geometric detailing and silver accents, designed to evoke the autumn season when these casks get selected. The sherry casks come exclusively from González Byass, a partnership The Dalmore has maintained for over a century. These aren't randomly sourced barrels—the whisky makers hand-pick specific casks that complement Dalmore's house style.

Why These Releases Matter

The Select Editions highlight something most distilleries don't do anymore: a complete manual cask assessment. Every November, after summer warmth and winter cold have done their work on the spirit, Dalmore's team spends an entire week on the shores of the Cromarty Firth nosing every single maturing cask. Out of hundreds assessed, only a handful make it into the Select Editions lineup. That level of hands-on curation is increasingly rare in modern whisky production, where computer tracking and batch consistency often take precedence over individual cask character.

For collectors and serious scotch drinkers, these releases offer something different each year. The 2007 and 2010 focus on pastry-forward flavor profiles—think bakery counter rather than fruit bowl. The sherry cask influence brings richness without overwhelming the base spirit, and the higher proof on the 2010 (nearly 50% ABV) means it holds up well with a splash of water or a large ice cube. At these price points, you're paying for age, limited availability, and the kind of cask selection that separates everyday single malts from special-occasion bottles.

Tasting Notes

The Dalmore Select Edition 2007 (18 Years, 46.7% ABV, $549.99)

• Nose: Maple syrup, pain au chocolat, dark citrus, nutmeg, antique leather
• Palate: Caramelized poached pears, Seville orange, Madagascan vanilla, baked apples, moist ginger cake, Brazil nuts
• Finish: Grilled pineapple, bergamot, black licorice, dark cacao powder, exotic spices

The Dalmore Select Edition 2010 (15 Years, 49.1% ABV, $249.99)

• Nose: Honeysuckle, sugared almonds, fresh baked brioche, mandarin, light cacao
• Palate: Crème brûlée, apricot tarte tatin, golden raisins, red licorice, white chocolate, cinnamon
• Finish: Candied citrus, madeleines, Muscat grapes, soft ginger, baking spice

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Dalmore Select Edition 2007 and 2010?

Both expressions are available now through select liquor retailers and fine dining establishments. These are limited releases, so availability varies by location. Check with specialty whisky shops or retailers that carry premium scotch selections, as these won't typically be stocked at every liquor store.

Is the Dalmore Select Edition 2010 worth $249.99?

For a 15-year single malt with exclusive sherry cask finishing and limited availability, the price sits in line with other premium Dalmore releases. The higher proof (49.1% ABV) and non-chill filtered process add value, and the one-time release nature means it could appreciate over time. If you're a Dalmore collector or enjoy sherry-finished scotch, it's a solid pick in this price range.

What's the difference between the 2007 and 2010 Select Editions?

Beyond the three-year age difference, the main distinction is the sherry cask finishing. The 2007 uses Apóstoles and Amoroso casks, creating darker, spicier notes like ginger cake and cacao. The 2010 uses Matusalem and Amoroso casks, resulting in lighter, sweeter flavors like brioche and crème brûlée. The 2010 also has a higher ABV at 49.1% versus 46.7%.

Are Dalmore Select Editions released every year?

Yes, The Dalmore releases new Select Editions annually following their November cask assessment. Each year features different vintage years and cask selections, making every release unique. Previous years' editions are not repeated, which makes them collectible among whisky enthusiasts.

What does non-chill filtered mean for these whiskies?

Non-chill filtered means The Dalmore didn't remove natural oils and proteins from the whisky before bottling. This preserves more flavor and texture but can cause the whisky to turn cloudy when chilled or if you add water. It's a sign of minimal processing and is generally preferred by serious whisky drinkers who prioritize flavor over appearance.