Affluent Page Presents Winter Warmer

When London’s prestigious Luxury Whisky Show announced that they would unveil the last of the three bottles of the Dalmore Trinitas 64, luxury whisky lovers salivated at the thought of who would be the lucky one to taste the last bottle. When it was unveiled at the show, the remaining bottle had been sold for more than $160,000, making it the first bottle of whisky in the world to break the six-figure price point.

One of the three bottles of this outstanding malt was sold to a gentleman in the U.S., and another was sold to a U.K. entrepreneur. In fact, very few whiskies that have reached the age of 64 have ever been released. In recent years, rare whiskies have commanded as much as $54,000, as recorded in 2007, when the rare Macallan 1926, considered the most expensive whisky in the world, sold at an auction.

So what makes the Dalmore Trinitas 64 one of the most coveted and expensive whiskies in the world? Much of it comes simply from the nurturing process. The Dalmore Trinitas 64 was hand-crafted from spirits dating from 1868, 1878, 1926, and 1939, many of which had matured in the Dalmore Distillery. Located on the northern bank of the Firth of Cromarty, deep in the Scottish Highlands, north of Iverness, the Dalmore Distillery has produced exceptional single malt whiskies since 1839. The distillery is perfectly placed to take advantage of a bounty of natural resources, including the waters of Loch Morie and the rich coastal soils of the Black Isle.

Enter Dalmore’s Master Distiller Richard Paterson, whose role it was to integrate this range of exclusive malts. According to Paterson: “The hand of time has been generous and rewarding with the malts I chose to use. They allowed me to create a taste sensation that will never be repeated again and will only ever be available to those that own these bottles. People recognize that you have to pay a premium for true exclusivity, craftsmanship, quality, and heritage.” To produce such a rare whisky requires the finest ingredients and wood available. The Dalmore Trinitas 64 spent its long maturation process in a variety of wood casks, including years spent in sherry oak and American white oak.

Once ready to decant, no details were spared in the presentation of the Dalmore Trinitas 64. Three beautifully sculpted decanterswere meticulously hand-crafted and mouth-blown using the finest crystal. The three Dalmore Trinitas themselves each came in a box crafted from solid English oak, encased in a rare Macassarebony veneer.

But it’s the tasting of the Dalmore Trinitas 64 where its rewards unfold, for only a lucky few are exposed to its delicious, sensationalarray of aromas. The scent swirls with sweet raisins, rich Colombian coffee, crushed walnuts, and bitter orange cast followed by a glorious fusion of grapefruit, sandalwood, white musk, and Indonesian patchouli. Once the spirit reaches the mouth and envelops the tongue, a wave of hidden flavors unfold including sweet sultanas, figs, and a caramelized topping of Seville oranges, apples, and mangos. Savoring that first swallow also has its rewards, as marzipan, treacle toffee, soft licorice, and roasted coffee linger long and smooth. Close your eyes and you’re likely to taste a hint of truffles, walnuts, and Muscovado sugar on your palate for an unforgettable finish.

So who is the lucky owner of the last bottle of Dalmore Trinitas 64, the rarest whisky in the world? Dalmore is keeping it under wrapsat the moment, but you can be sure that the owner is immersing himself in this special whisky’s flavorful delights.