We’ve coverd some of Dalmore’s more exotic cousins before, such as their Isle of Jura Prophecy Single Malt Whisky, but when it comes to Dalmore‘s own stable of whiskys few will beat their 18 Year Old expression. Launched in 1839 by Alexander Matheson in the Highlands of Northern Scotland, The Dalmore was acquired in 1886 by the Mackenzie family — one of whom saved Scotland’s King Alexander III from a charging stag. In gratitude the King bestowed the Stag to the family as a symbol of valor. To this day, over 130 years later, the 12-point stag head appears on every bottle of The Dalmore whisky — including this 18 Year expression. Patiently aged in American oak for 14 years and then finished off in Spanish sherry butts, all of Dalmore’s single malt scotches are handmade by a small band of local stillmen, incorporating double distillations in copper pot-stills. Although it’s listed with a price around $150 for 750 ml bottle, you can find it online for around $60.