The Dalmore + Chef Massimo Bottura’s 49-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky
Sotheby’s will auction the rare “L’Anima” scotch to raise funds for the Food for Soul charity
Anyone who’s poured a dram of scotch during a good conversation can understand the origins of L’Anima, a one-off 49-year-old single malt from The Dalmore. The magnificent liquid is the result of a conversation between the whisky brand’s charismatic master distiller Richard Paterson and chef Massimo Bottura—one of the most acclaimed artists in the world of food. Bottura’s the brains behind Modena, Italy’s three Michelin starred Osteria Francescana. He’s also the founder of food waste non-profit Food For Soul. And when L’Anima goes up for sale at Sotheby’s, all proceeds will benefit the Italian charity.
Paterson tapped into Bottura’s explosive creativity when pulling pieces together for L’Anima. Fortunately, the final product (which we tasted at Sotheby’s) aligns with the quality of the story. The 41.5% ABV tipple noses and tastes of lavish dark chocolate and scrumptious oranges with figs and raisins on the finish. It’s lengthy—a drink as verbose as its creators. Its all-natural color hints at Paterson’s use of whisky aged in casks that previously held 40-year-old Pedro Ximenez sherry, and Graham’s Vintage Port Pipes.
The Dalmore L’Anima 49 + Bottura—which comes in an elegant crystal decanter and handcrafted box, the latter from Scottish artisan John Galvin—will be up for auction online, through Sotheby’s London from 25 April through 9 May. The bidding will commence at $85,000. L’Anima’s winner will also receive a dinner for two at Osteria Francescana.
Images courtesy of BFA
