393: Bourbon Lens Celebrates National Scotch Day with New Episode Featuring The Dalmore’s Craig Bridger

Episode 393 explores the reimagined Dalmore Distillery, the launch of The Dalmore 17, and the art of sherry cask maturation — timed perfectly for National Scotch Day on July 27

Bourbon Lens, the podcast dedicated to bourbon and whisky insights, is marking National Scotch Day (July 27) with a special release: Episode 393, “Exploring The Dalmore Latest US Release,” featuring an in-depth conversation with Craig Bridger, Head of Advocacy at The Dalmore.

In this episode, host Jake Lewellen sits down with Craig Bridger to unpack the craftsmanship behind one of Scotland’s most storied single malt Scotch whisky brands. They discuss the distillery’s reopening after a three-year renovation that doubled production capacity and reimagined the visitor experience at its historic home on the shores of Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands.

“Good whisky always tastes better in good company,” Bridger notes in the episode — a sentiment that anchors the conversation as much as the tasting notes do. The discussion moves from the sensory details of cask selection to the communal, cultural experience of whisky itself, offering listeners both technical insight and genuine appreciation for the craft.

Inside the Episode

The conversation centers on The Dalmore’s signature approach to sherry cask maturation, a hallmark of the distillery’s flavor profile since 1839. Bridger details:

The US launch and tasting profile of The Dalmore 17-Year-Old, compared against the brand’s celebrated 15-Year-Old expression
The use of exclusive Gonzalez Baez sherry casks, and how distinct sherry styles — Matusalem, Apostoles, Amoroso, and Palo Cortado — each shape the whisky’s character
The interplay between American oak barrels and sherry cask finishing in Dalmore’s blending process
Tasting notes ranging from toffee and salted caramel to dried fruit, and how proof point (42% ABV) affects flavor nuance
The craftsmanship and limited access behind Dalmore’s rare and special-edition releases
The growing significance of whisky tourism, and how experiencing a distillery in its place of origin deepens appreciation for the spirit

Why It Matters for National Scotch Day

National Scotch Day, observed annually on July 27, celebrates the history, craft, and community built around Scotch whisky. With The Dalmore’s distillery reopening and the debut of its 17-Year-Old expression, this episode offers listeners timely, insider access to one of the category’s most anticipated releases — straight from the people crafting it.

“This episode is a great entry point whether you’re a lifelong single malt collector or just starting to explore Scotch,” said Lewellen. “Craig gave us a rare look into the cask selection process and what makes The Dalmore’s sherry program so distinct.”

Listen Now

Episode 393 is available now on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.

https://youtu.be/0B460V73Xnc

Resources & Links:

The Dalmore: https://www.thedalmore.com/
Gonzalez Baez Sherry Producer: https://gonzalezbaez.com/
Connect with Craig Bridger: LinkedIn | Twitter

About Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens is a weekly podcast delivering tastings, distillery insights, and conversations with the people behind the world’s most compelling bourbon and whisky brands. New episodes release weekly across all major podcast platforms and YouTube.

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