If whisky had a passport, The Dalmore’s would be full. From the bodegas of Spain to the vineyards of Portugal, and now the sun-drenched slopes of France, the Highland distiller has made a name out of turning the world’s most celebrated casks into liquid masterpieces. Their third release in the Cask Curation Series, The Red Wine Cask Edition, is a love letter to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, crafted in collaboration with the iconic Château Mont-Redon.
What Makes This Series So Special?
This series is a global showcase of partnership, craftsmanship, and patience. Each edition pays tribute to a different wine region and its influence on The Dalmore’s distinctive style. Where The Sherry Edition honoured centuries of Spanish heritage and The Port Edition explored the richness of Portuguese Tawny, The Red Wine Cask Edition brings a French twist: elegant, layered, and deeply aromatic.
The Dalmore’s philosophy is simple yet obsessive: every cask has a story, and every whisky deserves the perfect one. This latest release proves that great whisky doesn’t just age; it evolves through relationships between wood, wine, and time.
Why Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Nestled in the Rhône Valley, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is revered for wines that are bold yet balanced, much like The Dalmore itself. Château Mont-Redon, one of the region’s most respected estates, brings nearly a century of winemaking expertise to the collaboration. Their Grenache-led reds, laced with Syrah and Mourvèdre, impart a unique depth that aligns perfectly with The Dalmore’s robust New Make spirit.
Working with fourth-generation winemaker Pierre Fabre, The Dalmore sourced freshly emptied 2023 Mont-Redon casks rich with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre character. These were used to finish three single malts (aged 24, 34, and 43 years), each revealing how French red wine casks can transform whisky across time.
What Can You Expect From the Three Whiskies?
24 Years Old (40.7% ABV): Bright and lively. Notes of citrus and honey glide into bursts of red berries and caramelised sugar. A reminder that youth and elegance can coexist beautifully.
34 Years Old (40.5% ABV): The middle child with quiet confidence. Layers of vanilla, Seville orange, and stone fruit sit on a foundation of gentle oak spice: balanced, warm, and endlessly smooth.
43 Years Old (40.3% ABV): Deeply mature. Dried fruit, manuka honey, and cocoa mingle with whispers of espresso and aged leather. It’s the kind of whisky that makes silence feel luxurious.
A Statement of Artistry and Travel
Each set comes housed in a bespoke lapis-blue display case, handcrafted by AB Florence, echoing both the hue of ripe Rhône grapes and the French tricolour.
Only 150 of these sets will ever exist, launching globally on October 1, 2025, with a price tag of £36,100/$44,450. Beyond the craftsmanship, the design speaks to The Dalmore’s recurring theme: the journey of flavour. From cask to coast, from vineyard to glass.
Why Does This Release Matter to Whisky Lovers?
The Dalmore’s relationship with wine casks isn’t a passing fascination. It’s part of the brand’s DNA. You’ll find it in the Cigar Malt Reserve, aged in Cabernet Sauvignon barriques, and the legendary King Alexander III, which marries six cask finishes into one harmonious expression. But this latest chapter pushes further into experimentation, proving that when whisky meets French red, something timeless is born.
In an era of endless limited editions, The Red Wine Cask Edition stands apart, not for its rarity, but for its purpose. It’s a celebration of what happens when tradition takes the scenic route.
For more information, visit thedalmore.com.