An exceptionally rare Dalmore, tasted in the wild at HSWS Spring Spirits & Drams Delight. Bartels Whisky has always been one of those independent bottlers that quietly does things the right way — family‑run, UK‑based, and laser‑focused on single‑cask, cask‑strength whisky with no shortcuts. Their Highland Laird label, revived in 2014 but tied to the Bartels family for over fifty years, is where they showcase the truly interesting stuff: one cask, one moment in time, no repeats.
So when a Dalmore shows up under the Highland Laird banner — a distillery that almost never appears in independent bottlings — you pay attention.

A Rare Dalmore With an Unusual Journey
Dalmore 2015 | Cask No. 300120 | 57.7% ABV | 120 bottles
Distilled on February 23, 2015, this whisky took a path Dalmore fans won’t expect. It spent its early life in an ex‑Islay hogshead, picking up a coastal smokiness and a touch of brine that sits completely outside Dalmore’s usual polished Highland profile. Later, it was reracked into a sherry butt, layering in sweetness, spice, and depth before being bottled at full natural strength.
Only 120 bottles came from the cask — a tiny outturn for something this unusual.

My Tasting Experience
had the chance to try this at the Scotch Drinkers Only table during the 2026 Houston Scotch Whisky Society Spring Spirits & Drams Delight event, and let me tell you — this one stopped me in my tracks. Howard poured it with that “just wait” grin, and he wasn’t kidding. This is Dalmore like you’ve never tasted it.
There’s something electric about trying a whisky this rare in a room full of people who get it. You could feel the energy shift when folks realized what was in the glass.

Tasting Notes
Nose
Cherries and sultanas wrapped in caramel, a whisper of brine, a soft thread of peat smoke, roasted nuts, and old leather. It’s layered, warm, and quietly dramatic.

Palate
Dark chocolate, charred oak, salty edges from the Islay cask, and a warming sweetness that feels like chai spice meeting smoldering campfire. Big, bold, and beautifully balanced.

Finish
Long and steady: dried fruits, bitter cocoa, and fading smoke that lingers just long enough. Holly’s Notes (Spot‑On as Always)
Apple cheesecake crumble, ripe orchard fruit, white‑chocolate almond bark, chai, and a mulled‑cider finish. A brighter, sweeter lens that complements the darker notes perfectly.

Final Thoughts
This is Dalmore off the beaten path — smoky, coastal, sherried, and unapologetically cask‑driven. It’s the kind of whisky that reminds you why independent bottlers matter: they show you sides of distilleries you’d never see otherwise.
And the best part?
It’s available in the USA through ScotchDrinkersOnly.com , which is wild considering how rarely Dalmore escapes the distillery’s own lineup.

If you thought last year was massive… you haven’t seen anything yet. READ THIS CAREFULLY — BECAUSE THIS IS WHERE THE FOMO BEGINS
Last year sold out fast.
Rare bottles vanished in minutes.
Collectors still talk about the pours they can’t believe they tasted. And the energy? Unreal. This year… we’re leveling up.

2026 IS GOING GLOBAL
Expect:
• World whisky icons sharing the room with Houston’s most passionate dram‑hunters
• Exclusive expressions you won’t find anywhere else in Texas
• First‑time releases making their debut at our event
• Boutique bottlers bringing heat you didn’t even know you needed
• A lineup so stacked it’ll make collectors sweat
Whether you’re a seasoned single‑malt sniper or just stepping into the world of whisky, this is the night you’ll brag about for years.

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN
The brand list.
The surprise guests.
The once‑in‑a‑lifetime pours.
They’re coming — and when they drop, tickets will not last. If you love whisky, Houston, or unforgettable nights…
You need to be in this room.
ADD THIS TO YOUR CALENDAR: VIP & EARLY BIRD TICKETS GO ON SALE SATURDAY AUGUST 1, 2026 AT NOON. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
This fall, we DRAM ON. Together.
Get ready, Houston.
Saturday October 17 is going to be legendary.

First off, I have to extend a massive thank‑you to Billy Walker for sharing a sample of this extraordinary release and giving me the chance to bring these tasting notes straight to the HSWS family. I truly hope ImpEx ( WInk, Wink, Sam Filmus ) finds a way to bring some of these bottles stateside, because this is one hell of an expression—bold, elegant, and absolutely unforgettable. This whisky is well worth the investment.
Before we even get to the liquid, we need to talk about the packaging. The GlenAllachie Cask‑Strength 35‑Year‑Old arrives dressed in a presentation that makes it immediately clear: this is no ordinary release. The bespoke Valchromat box and the handcrafted Kumiko‑inspired wooden case give it a museum‑worthy presence long before the bottle is revealed.
Open it up and the wide‑shouldered decanter stands with quiet confidence, gold‑printed details catching the light, topped with a premium wooden stopper that feels as refined as the whisky it protects. It’s elegant, intentional, and perfectly suited to showcase the deep mahogany spirit inside.
A presentation worthy of a 35‑year journey.
So without wasting another second, let’s dive into this remarkable whisky.

Nose — Deep, Dark, and Commanding
The moment this whisky hits the glass, the color alone sets the tone: a deep amber‑brown with real weight and presence. On the nose, it opens with soft baking spices and a lift of floral incense before the oak steps in with authority. Vanilla threads through the aroma, warm and inviting, while hints of tropical fruit whisper from the background. It’s layered, mature, and unmistakably complex.

Taste — A Full‑Throttle Flavor Storm

The palate erupts in a whirlwind of character. Baking spice glides into rich vanilla, then into assertive oaky tannins that remind you this whisky has lived a long, patient life in wood. The tropical fruit stays subtle, letting the darker, deeper notes take center stage: dark chocolate, coconut custard, vanilla bean, red berries, prune, raisin, barrel‑aged maple syrup, and deeply toasted almonds. Every sip feels like it’s unfolding in slow motion — decadent, textured, and beautifully balanced.

Finish — Warm, Lingering, and Memorable
There’s a touch of heat, but it’s refined — more of a warm, enveloping glow than a burn. It coats the throat gently, leaving behind echoes of chocolate, spice, and toasted nuts. The finish lingers with grace, leaving a lasting impression that pulls you right back in for another pour.
This isn’t just a whisky — it’s a moment. A statement. A testament to what happens when time, wood, and mastery collide in perfect harmony. Bravo to Billy Walker and The team at GlenAllachie for not only bringing their oldest expression to market, but for delivering a true whisky journey in a bottle. Raise your glass, take that first sip, and savor it. Thank you again, Billy Walker. This is a whisky that doesn’t just impress — it stays with you.

Sliàint Mhath.