The definitive luxury malt, The Dalmore, is set to release an exceptionally rare, Domaine Henri Giraud champagne-finished 50-year-old single malt to mark its Master Distiller Richard Paterson’s 50th year in the whisky industry.
As the creative force behind some of the most iconic and innovative releases in the world, Paterson’s passion, expertise and artistry has seen him pioneer the art of maturation and cask finishing which has been instrumental to the success of The Dalmore.
Building on the celebrations surrounding Paterson’s 50th anniversary, the limited edition, The Dalmore 50-year-old (priced at £50,000) has been meticulously crafted in partnership with four other legendary luxury houses, to serve as a fitting tribute to each year of his illustrious career.
With up to 50 decanters released, which will be hand-filled on order, The Dalmore 50 has been matured in American white oak, Matusalem oloroso sherry casks from the world renowned Gonzalez Byass Bodega and port Colheita pipes from the Douro region of Portugal, before undertaking a final finesse for 50 days in rare champagne casks from Domaine Henri Giraud.
Paterson did not select the champagne cask by chance. Considered to be one of the region’s hidden gems, Domaine Henri Giraud family estate is regularly lauded by experts from around the globe and is one of the only champagne houses to still mature their wines in casks. The casks selected have a unique intensity and aromatic complexity, giving Paterson the final flourish of wood needed to create this exceptional expression.
To hold this unique whisky, the artisans at prestigious French crystal house Baccarat have skilfully created crystal decanters, each of which will be held within a presentation case designed and crafted by the accomplished furniture makers at LINLEY.
Finally, each decanter will be adorned with a solid silver stag, created by silversmiths Hamilton & Inches, holder of The Royal Warrant.
Richard Paterson, Master Distiller at The Dalmore, said: “This is a special year for me so I chose to finesse this whisky in a champagne cask, as this magnificent drink is synonymous with celebratory occasions.
“Bringing the champagne together with Matusalem oloroso sherry and port is perhaps the greatest example to date of our ability to innovate in both maturation and cask finishing while preserving the signature flavours of The Dalmore.
“This whisky is exceptional, as are the luxurious and sophisticated finishes applied by the craftsmen at Domaine Henri Giraud, Baccarat, Linley and Hamilton & Inches. They are true masters of their art and it is a pleasure to have worked with them to bring the 50 year old to life in such a magnificent way.”
Journey of The Dalmore 50-Year-Old
1966: The Dalmore new make spirit began its journey in American white oak exBourbon casks
2003: The maturing whisky is transferred to Matusalem oloroso sherry casks
2012: The whisky is transferred to Port Colheita pipes
2016: In January of this year, the spirit was transferred to Bourbon barrels as it reached its desired taste profile, prior to finessing.
November 2016: The whisky was finessed in Domaine Henri Giraud Champagne casks for 50 days before bottling.
TASTING NOTES:
Aroma: Caramelised orange segments, vanilla pods and sweet sultanas
Palate: Tangy thick cut marmalade, roasted coffee and moist chocolate cake
Finish: Crushed almonds, black morello cherries and soft liquorice
ABV: 40%
