Elite Traveler Summer 2019

elite traveler SUMMER 2019 69

“The first taste is important, but the second taste will allow you to get right into the whisky, and as the word says, l’anima , you see the soul of the whisky.”

While he hasn’t announced any plans for retirement, one can’t help but wonder if the release of L’Anima Aged 49 Years and The Dalmore's upcoming 175th anniversary is the beginning of Paterson’s swan song. He turns 70 this year, and after an incredible career that saw the rebirth of whisky’s popularity, what’s next for him? Whatever it is, the answers lay in rare casks deep in The Dalmore’s distillery, biding their time, waiting for Paterson to say “oh, hello.”

smelling it softly in each nostril, then pulling it away to let the alcohol subside, finally nosing it again to discern the flavors within the expression. After this, keep the whisky in your mouth for 15-20 seconds before swallowing the first taste. “The first taste is important, but the second taste will allow you to get right into the whisky, and as the word says, l’anima , you see the soul of the whisky. Whisky is not for knocking back; it’s for sipping, revering what age can bring.”

he’s looking for and need more time. “Then, when we see the ones that we’ve done and we say, ‘oh, hello.’ You

can’t describe it, because it’s so wonderful. This is just what I’m looking for.”

Of course, Paterson can create the perfect whisky, but if it’s not savored in the proper way, that’s out of his control. “I can’t jump out of the bottle, but I’d really love to do that,” he laughs, before explaining how to taste whisky. Begin by nosing the whisky,