The handshake betwixt The Dalmore’s master distiller Richard Paterson and Massimo Bottura, chef and owner of Osteria Francescana – the world’s best restaurant of 2018 – is indeed an epic one, greater than the sum of its already respectable parts. Their special collaboration brings into the world The Dalmore L’Anima, Aged 49 Years – a one-of-a-kind scotch whisky.
Aged for 49 years, the unique single malt is a marriage of three rare expressions that were originally matured in some of the distillery’s most exquisite casks – including Gonzales Byass casks that housed 40-year-old Pedro Ximenez, Graham’s Vintage Port pipes and small batch bourbon barrels. Paterson specifically chose whiskies that realise the chocolate-orange taste profile which characterises offerings from The Dalmore.
This particular usquebaugh embodies aromas the likes of chocolate, raisin and marmalade. On the palate, expect hints of creme brûlée, coffee and pecan pie; while notes of blood orange, figs and treacle finish off what would make for a drinking experience like no other.
Packaging the water of life is a crystal decanter with a sterling silver collar, and a matching silver signature Dalmore stag. A bespoke, masterly handcrafted cabinet fashioned from Italian olive wood, American black walnut and ebony completes the exterior – one that is certainly fitting for what lies within.
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Said Bottura: “When Master Distiller Richard Paterson and I met in Modena, it was a true meeting of the minds. Our creative processes seamlessly fused together with our passion and deep understanding of flavor complexity and connection to create a very special bottle that brings together some of the most precious scotch whisky barrels in the world.”
“The coming together of our passions allowed me to create a whisky that is bold, different, full of warmth and completely unforgettable – it is a true reflection of the love, blood and balsamic that unites us,” added Paterson.
Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the bottle will also come with a sumptuous dinner for two at none other than Osteria Francescana, in Modena, Italy – courtesy of the auction house.
It gets better. Proceeds from the auction will entirely benefit Bottura’s non-profit organisation, Food For Soul, which empowers communities to combat food wastage through the movement of social inclusion, providing food for the homeless and the less privileged. Now you can put that penchant to good use for a just cause.
Available for bidding at Sotheby’s. Bidding closes 9 May.
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