Opium importer founded distillery in 1839

The Dalmore Distillery’s journey from opium smuggling to Single Malt Scotch distinction will be recognized as the EaDo (East Downtown) neighborhood Houston bar Reserve 101 features The Dalmore’s 12-year, 15-year and Grand Reserva whiskeys at a Tuesday Tasting on July 19 at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited. Register for the event at http://reserve101.com/whiskey-tastings-houston.

In 1839, Alexander Matheson invested profits from his illegal opium smuggling business to build The Dalmore Distillery in Scotland’s northern Highlands. There, he produced small batches of single malt Scotch until 1886, when the facility was sold to the Mackenzie family. When a Mackenzie saved Scottish King Alexander III from a charging stag, the regent awarded the family with a 12-point stag’s head for its coat of arms that now appears on the label of every bottle the distillery produces.

“Despite its checkered origins, The Dalmore is one of the most popular and luxurious single malts in the world,” said Reserve 101 co-owner and whiskey expert Mike Raymond. “Their 12-year Scotch is much richer than its age might indicate, containing hints of fine espresso flavor, while the 15-year tastes of winter spices, orange zest and chocolate as a result of maturing in sherry casks. Grand Reserva, matured in sherry and bourbon casks, has notes of tobacco leaf, honey and spices.”

Raymond said The Dalmore’s Brand Ambassador Trent Roberts will conduct the tasting.

Reserve 101, “not your daddy’s whiskey bar,” is located in the heart of Houston’s EaDo entertainment district at the corner of Caroline and Dallas next to Dirt Bar and across from House of Blues. In addition to its best-in-region selection of over 180 premium whiskeys, the bar serves Martinis, Signature Cocktails, beer, wine and special infusions—organic ingredients steeped in spirits right on premises.

“Happy Hour,” with dollar-off beers and wines and half-price signature cocktails runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday with specials just about every day of the week, including Sundays.

More information about Reserve 101 and whiskeys is available by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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