The Dalmore Mackenzie is a limited edition of just 3,000 bottles, 600 of which will be available in travel retailUK. Scotch whisky distiller Whyte & Mackay this week unveiled The Dalmore Mackenzie limited edition, the latest line extension of its leading Highland single malt, in the spectacular setting of Scotland’s National Gallery in Edinburgh. The Moodie Report was among the 40-strong guest list.
Whyte & Mackay unveils The Dalmore MackenzieClick here to downloadOnly 3,000 limited edition bottles of the edition are being released, of which 600 will be available in travel retail, principally through specialist whisky outlets such as World of Whiskies. The retail price is around £100.
Whyte & Mackay said the launch “marks a new era in the distillery’s long affiliation with The Mackenzie Clan”. The Dalmore Mackenzie launch was inspired by the act of courage from an ancestor of Clan Mackenzie when he saved King Alexander III of Scotland in 1263 from being gored by a stag, a scene that is depicted in a famous painting by Benjamin West that hangs in the National Gallery – next to which guests enjoyed dinner last night.
The Mackenzie family’s iconic stag head logo, which features on each bottle of the malt, emerged from those events of 1263. An image of the painting, the largest in the Gallery, was projected onto the front of the National Gallery last night as guests entered.
The partnership between Whyte & Mackay and the Clan Mackenzie aims to raise funds to help refurbish and maintain the Clan’s Castle Leod and to support a range of activities organised by The Clan Mackenzie Society of Scotland and the UK.
According to The Dalmore’s master distiller Richard Paterson, the brand owner is hoping to raise a seven figure sum in the next 10 years to help protect the family’s place in Scottish history.
Paterson said: “Whether you are a Mackenzie or not, with only 3,000 bottles available globally, this is your chance to own a little piece of Scottish history.
“I have been nurturing casks at The Dalmore and monitoring their progress for some four decades. The challenge to craft a whisky fit for the Earl and all Mackenzies was an inspiration. I am proud to be able to help the clan by creating a whisky with a regal heritage and one which is truly fit for a king, as well as a Clan Chief.”
‘Fury of the stag’, the Benjamin West painting that was one of the inspirations behind the creation of the single malt
The Dalmore’s iconic logo was projected onto the front of the National Gallery in Scotland last night
A lone piper welcomed guests to the launch of The Dalmore MackenzieEach limited edition bottle is individually numbered and adorned with the Clan and the brand’s iconic Royal stag formed in molten metal. All purchasers are entitled to claim a limited edition print of the Benjamin West painting signed by the head of the Clan, who continues to reside at Castle Leod.
The Earl of Cromartie and chief of the clan, John Mackenzie, said: “As the head of the Clan I speak for all Mackenzies to say that we are really excited to be part of this special event which brings to life this iconic painting in more ways than one, celebrating a piece of history that forms the foundation of our joint heritage, as well as the dawn of a new era in our continued partnership with the distillery.
“I am delighted that The Dalmore is supporting the preservation of Castle Leod for not only me, but for the Clan, and for Mackenzies around the world and of course for Scotland.”
John Mackenzie, head of the Clan, celebrates the unveiling of the single malt that carries the family nameRichard Paterson added: “This is the first step in a longer journey with the Clan Mackenzie as we work together for mutual benefit. The Dalmore and the Clan are inextricably linked. There are not many brands in the world that have these true royal connections, and we hope to announce more projects like this over the next couple of years. Watch this space.”
John Mackenzie and Master Distiller Richard Paterson toast the new limited editionThe Dalmore Innovation Director David Robertson said: “We’re pleased to deliver such a strong allocation to travel retail. It’s a channel that is vital for The Dalmore and a great shop window to the world.”
Whyte & Mackay CEO John Beard said: “The Dalmore is potentially the most exciting brand in our portfolio. We look forward to developing this exciting and beneficial partnership with the Clan Mackenzie going forward.”
Whyte & Mackay CEO John Beard: “An exciting partnership”To donate please visit www.HandinHandforHaiti.com
