Master Distiller Richard Paterson & Chef Massimo Bottura

The Dalmore, one of the world’s most revered scotch whisky makers, has collaborated with the world’s best chef, Massimo Bottura on his first foray into spirits with the creation of an exclusive, one of a kind scotch whisky bottling, The Dalmore L’Anima Aged 49 Years.

Created in partnership with The Dalmore’s Master Distiller, Richard Paterson, this expertly crafted single malt whisky is a celebration of the shared respect for tradition and innovation that unites the pair. An exclusive one of a kind bottling and manifestation of each maverick’s unique skill set, The Dalmore L’Anima was inspired by Bottura and Paterson’s conversations and shared creativity. Paterson selected whiskies embodying the chocolate orange profile which The Dalmore is known for, while layering with flavors reminiscent of Bottura’s kitchen and beloved Italian produce.

The rare and aged bottling will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in an online sale in Spring 2019, running from 25 April to 9 May, with all proceeds benefiting Bottura’s non-profit organization, Food For Soul, which empowers communities to fight food waste through social inclusion.

The Dalmore L’Anima, Aged 49 Years (‘L’Anima meaning “soul” in Italian), is a unique single malt, created from three unique assemblages which were brought together by Master Distiller, Richard Paterson using some of the distillery’s most exquisite casks. This one of a kind bottle is a marriage of rare expressions which were initially matured in freshly emptied ex-bourbon barrels, Gonzalez Byass casks which previously held 40-year-old ‘Pedro Ximenez’ sherry and Graham’s Vintage Port Pipes.

Tasting notes

On the nose, the single malt has exotic aromas of sun-kissed raisins, bitter chocolate and old English marmalade; to taste, hints of freshly brewed Java coffee, Demerara sugar, pecan pie and crème brûlée, while Sanguinello blood oranges linger on the after taste alongside rich treacle and succulent figs.

“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,” commented Massimo Bottura, Owner and Chef Patron of Osteria Francescana.

“Bottura’s approach to deconstructing and reinventing daring food pairings is very similar to the way I approach whisky making. 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,” explained Richard Paterson, Master Distiller at The Dalmore.

L’Anima