Name: Dalmore 30 Years Old
SKU: 1411070
Price: 1500 GBP
Availability: InStock

The 2015 release of Dalmore 30 Year Old is a masterful assemblage of the distillery’s finest aged stocks, matured in Matusalem and Amoroso Oloroso sherry butts hand-selected from the renowned González Byass bodega. Rich, complex, and exquisitely balanced, this exceptional Highland single malt was bottled in an edition of just 888 individually numbered bottles, making it a true collector’s treasure.

September 2025

October 2025

The history of Scotch whisky has to a significant degree been shaped by excise legislation, ever since the first tax was imposed on it by the Scots Parliament in 1644. The parliament passed an Excise Act fixing the duty at 2/8d (13p) per pint of ‘aquavitae or other strong liquor’ – the Scots pint being approximately one third of a gallon.

Over the next two centuries, many changes were made to the legislation surrounding the taxation of whisky, but one factor that never changed was the determination of some distillers to operate illicitly, cutting out any proceeds for the treasury altogether.

In the early 1820s as many as 14,000 illicit stills were being seized each year, and it was estimated that more than half the whisky consumed in Scotland had been distilled without benefit of licence. In 1822 there were no fewer than 6,278 prosecutions for illicit distilling. 

The following year saw the passing of perhaps the most significant piece of legislation ever enacted in relation to Scotch whisky. The Act was an attempt – largely successful, as it turned out – to stifle the extensive trade in illicitly-distilled whisky.

The Excise Act encouraged legal distillation by cutting duty to 2s 5d per gallon, a historic reduction of more than 50 per cent, and a minimum still size of 40 gallons was sanctioned. A licence fee of £10 per annum was introduced, the concept of duty-free warehousing was developed, and distillers were free to export to England and overseas. 

One of the key figures behind the Excise Act of 1823 was the 4th Duke of Gordon, who had extensive estates throughout north-east Scotland, an area that was the very heartland of illicit distillation. Gordon proposed that if new legislation was put in place to make legal distilling more attractive, he and his fellow landowners would do all in their power to uphold the law as diligently as they could and evict anyone convicted of illicit distilling.

The advantages were perceived as being more revenue for the government, despite the lower level of duty, and opportunities for the lairds to make money out of the rash of whisky-making operations that would surely be built as a result of the proposed legislation. Remarkably, no fewer than 79 new distilleries were commissioned between 10th October 1823 and 9th August 1824, with the number of licensed distilleries rising from 111 in 1823 to 263 by 1825.

Perhaps the most significant name from a north-east of Scotland ‘Speyside’ perspective to join the list of legal distilleries was that of Glenlivet, where Captain George Smith began to distil legally at his Upper Drumin farm in 1824. However, Smith’s father, Andrew, had been distilling on the site since 1774, without ever feeling the need to acquire a licence! 
Glenlivet was notable as being the first distillery in the Highlands to be licensed in the wake of the 1823 Excise Act, with support from the Duke of Gordon. Not that the newly licensed Glenlivet flourished without interference, however. Many of Smith’s compatriots considered him a traitor for ‘going legit,’ and as he wrote some years later, they threatened to “…burn the distillery to the ground, and me at the heart of it. The laird of Aberlour presented me with a pair of hair-trigger pistols worth ten guineas, and they were never out of my belt for ten years.”

According to legend, Smith only ever had recourse to his pistols on one occasion. This occurred in a tavern where he stopped for refreshment after delivering some whisky to a customer, and involved a number of would-be thieves, keen to relieve wealthy travellers of their money. When they approached Smith, he drew one of his pistols and fired it into the fireplace. He was allowed to finish his drink in peace.
As a legitimate distillery, Glenlivet supplied high quality single malt to Scotland’s thirsty, expanding population centres to the south, and in terms of reputation, all other Speyside distilleries soon came to exist in its shadow.

One effect of the 1823 Excise Act was a move away from very small, localised licensed distilleries in southern and central Scotland, with larger whisky-making concerns reflecting the general trend towards bigger, more professional and integrated commercial activities across the UK. 
Indeed, Scotland had already witnessed a tendency towards the development of an industry focused on a relatively small number of extensive distilleries, with the likes of Kilbagie, Kennetpans, Glenochil, Cambus and Carsebridge among the most significant. This consolidation continued apace in the wake of the 1823 Act, though the Highlands were still characterised by a larger number of individually smaller distilling operations.

To give a clear idea of just how significant the 1823 Excise Act really was, many of the distilleries and single malts we now value most highly were licensed within a decade or so of its enactment. Not all of these were ‘new builds,’ of course, with some, usually farm-based, having previously operated under the radar without licenses.

The list of distilleries in question includes Balmenach, Ben Nevis, Benrinnes, cardhu, Edradour, Fettercairn, Glen Scotia, Glencadam, GlenDronach, Glenfarclas, Glengoyne, Glenkinchie, Miltonduff, Royal Lochnagar and Talisker   as well as many others no longer in existence.
While a very strong case can be made for declaring the 1823 Excise Act to be the single most important piece of excise legislation relating to Scotch whisky, a case can also be made for the 1860 Spirit Act which legalised the blending of malt and grain whiskies under bond for the first time. But that is another story for another day.

The Deil's awa wi' the Exciseman - Robert Burns

"The deil cam fiddlin' thro' the town, 
And danc'd awa wi' th' Exciseman; 
And ilka wife cries,  Auld Mahoun, 
I wish you luck o' the prize, man.

The deil's awa the deil's awa, 
The deil's awa wi' the Exciseman, 
He's danc'd awa he's danc'd awa 
He's danc'd awa wi' the Exciseman.

We'll mak our maut, and we'll brew our drink, 
We'll laugh, sing, and rejoice, man; 
And mony braw thanks to the meikle black deil, 
That danc'd awa wi' th' Exciseman.

There's threesome reels, there's foursome reels, 
There's hornpipes and strathspeys, man, 
But the ae best dance ere came to the Land 
Was, the deil's awa wi' the Exciseman.

The deil's awa the deil's awa , 
The deil's awa wi' the Exciseman, 
He's danc'd awa he's danc'd awa  
He's danc'd awa wi' the Exciseman."

…burn the distillery to the ground, and me at the heart of it.

In this intriguing piece, Gavin D. Smith delves into the relationship between taxes and the Scotch Whisky industry.

1823 EXCISE ACT

Historical

In our inaugural Blog entry, Guest writer Ian Buxton explores the seemingly unglamorous distillery mill. The unsung hero of whisky distilleries.

The Distillery Mill

bid_on_over_1600_lots_in_our_july_whisky_auction_2767387_994701.webp

Bidding Ends 18th August From 8pm

Auction Live Now!

buy_sell_with_the_worlds_most_trusted_whisky_auction_2080060426f40.png

Worldwide shipping, Incredible selection of Rare & Collectable Malts.

Buy & Sell with The World's Most Trusted Whisky Auction.

sell_with_confidence_in_our_next_auction_august_13th_18th_2764419_859293.webp

0% Seller Commission. Entry Deadline August 6th. Get in touch now to sell items in this auction!

Sell with confidence in our Next Auction: August 13th - 18th

real_time_valuations_for_your_whisky_20800567ccb49.png

Add bottles to your account for instant valuations of your entire collection.

Real-time Valuations For Your Whisky

time_to_sell_well_collect_your_whisky_for_free_2080055b450b4.png

Free UK courier for collections valued over £500. International courier collections also available.

Time to sell? We'll collect your whisky for free.

main_slider.png

Worldwide shipping available to 65 countries. Express & Insured options available.

Insured worldwide shipping. Delivering whisky, right to your door.

macallan_72_years_old_2018_lalique_genesis_decanter.jpg

700ml

2018 Lalique Genesis Decanter

Macallan 72 Years Old

macallan_72_years_old_2018_lalique_genesis_decanter_2768021_001692.webp

macallan_72_years_old_2018_lalique_genesis_decanter_2768024_893342.webp

macallan_72_years_old_2018_lalique_genesis_decanter_2768025_127370.webp

macallan_72_years_old_2018_lalique_genesis_decanter_2768027_294154.webp

macallan_72_years_old_2018_lalique_genesis_decanter_2768022_830955.webp

macallan_72_years_old_2018_lalique_genesis_decanter_2768023_307855.webp

macallan_72_years_old_2018_lalique_genesis_decanter_2768028_376021.webp

macallan_72_years_old_2018_lalique_genesis_decanter_2768026_622206.webp

Minor marks to transit box

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_323185_229163.webp

70 cl

44.4%

Gordon & MacPhail Generations

Mortlach 75 Years Old

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765665_095334.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765664_021908.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765666_916569.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765667_155325.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765668_955733.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765669_713548.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765670_169222.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765671_412497.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765672_271314.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765673_574354.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765674_695512.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765675_069625.webp

mortlach_75_years_old_gm_generations_2765676_603712.webp

bowmore_18_years_old_sherriffs_1960s.jpg

26⅔  fl.Ozs

75 Proof

Sherriff's (1960s)

Bowmore 18 Years Old

bowmore_18_years_old_sherriffs_1960s_2755743_268250.webp

bowmore_18_years_old_sherriffs_1960s_2755744_111383.webp

bowmore_18_years_old_sherriffs_1960s_2755745_121371.webp

bowmore_18_years_old_sherriffs_1960s_2755746_136201.webp

bowmore_18_years_old_sherriffs_1960s_2755747_749894.webp

Scratches to plaque.

glenfarclas_40_years_old_scottish_classic_696030_712688.webp

Scottish Classic "The Jolly Beggars"

Glenfarclas 40 Years Old

glenfarclas_40_years_old_scottish_classic_the_jolly_beggars_2766281_120637.webp

glenfarclas_40_years_old_scottish_classic_the_jolly_beggars_2766282_935960.webp

glenfarclas_40_years_old_scottish_classic_the_jolly_beggars_2766283_463925.webp

glenfarclas_40_years_old_scottish_classic_the_jolly_beggars_2766284_897060.webp

Minor marks to box.

glengoyne_33_years_old_1968_2002_single_cask_no4620_2764840_820993.webp

51.3%

2002 Single Cask No.4620

Glengoyne 33 Years Old 1968

glengoyne_33_years_old_1968_2002_single_cask_no4620_2764841_328919.webp

macallan_43_years_old_1965_2008_carn_mor_celebration_of_the_cask_no2114_2765556_787529_520203_836087.webp

54.1%

2008 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask No.2114

Macallan 43 Years Old 1965

macallan_43_years_old_1965_2008_carn_mor_celebration_of_the_cask_no2114_2765556_787529.webp

macallan_43_years_old_1965_2008_carn_mor_celebration_of_the_cask_no2114_2765557_885570.webp

macallan_43_years_old_1965_2008_carn_mor_celebration_of_the_cask_no2114_2765558_843907.webp

Scuff to transit box & minor scratches

Dalmore 30 Years Old 2015 Released

Official Bottling

Today, Dalmore is a remarkably impressive and successful distillery. Iconic branding and the use of various casks ensures a luxurious image and price tag. Its history is just as impressive with the commonly believed date of 1839 being when it was founded by Alexander Matheson. Looking across towards the Black Isle, the distillery is on the outskirts of Alness and today comprises a large site of various buildings and warehousing.
Dalmore has been a prized commodity and the distillery has endured several owners and was purchased by Filipino group, Emperador, in 2014 as part of the Whyte & Mackay acquisition. What endures most about the distillery is the unique still set up, which upon visiting, harbours a mix match of shapes and sizes, plus the spirit stills that are cooled by water jackets. If you do visit, then try to see the old hunting lodge room about the visitor centre that is used to entertain and impress VIPs.

Dalmore

Highlands

Full Size

dalmore_30_years_old_336319_831898.webp

2015 Released

Dalmore 30 Years Old

dalmore_30_years_old_2763225_384544.webp

dalmore_30_years_old_2763226_229304.webp

dalmore_30_years_old_2763227_921694.webp

dalmore_30_years_old_2763228_997677.webp

August 2025

macallan_40_years_old_the_red_collection_609895.webp

48.1%

2020 The Red Collection

Macallan 40 Years Old

macallan_40_years_old_2020_the_red_collection_2766707_701064.webp

macallan_40_years_old_2020_the_red_collection_2766708_680343.webp

Very minor production marks to tin

macallan_the_archival_series_folio_1.jpg

Folio 1

Macallan The Archival Series

macallan_the_archival_series_folio_1_2767983_821772.webp

macallan_the_archival_series_folio_1_2767984_599329.webp

macallan_30_years_old_masters_of_photography_rankin_353934_733687.webp

Masters of Photography Rankin & Book

Macallan 30 Years Old Fine Oak

macallan_masters_of_photography_30_years_old_rankin_bottle_book_2745108_381788.webp

macallan_masters_of_photography_30_years_old_rankin_bottle_book_2745105_463323.webp

macallan_the_archival_series_folio_4.jpg

Folio 4

macallan_the_archival_series_folio_4_2767999_309114.webp

macallan_the_archival_series_folio_4_2768000_187899.webp

heaven_hill_2009_1st_fill_bourbon_no152731_held_in_bond_at_whisky_broker_27400_GMFdn4u.webp

169.46 Litres

61.2%

Held In Bond At Whisky Broker

Heaven Hill 2009 1st Fill Bourbon No.152731

heaven_hill_2009_1st_fill_bourbon_no152731_held_in_bond_at_whisky_broker_27452_g74MIed.webp

heaven_hill_2009_1st_fill_bourbon_no152731_held_in_bond_at_whisky_broker_27409_HiKENDS.webp

Dalmore 30 Years Old

2015 Released

Sell Whisky with 0% Commission

How To Buy Whisky?