...this is true not only for life, but also for the creation of historic premium whisky. Thus, the launch of the new Dalmore 21 Year Old on May 16, 2022 at Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat&Cultural Hideaway in Krün, Germany, was also based on this motto.
»TIME IS THE MOST VALUABLE INGREDIENT«*
»The Dalmore Express - journey only possible with special ticket«, read the display board on platform 1 at Munich Central Station. The 21 invited guests eagerly awaited the arrival of the impressive »The Dalmore Express« and the start of an extraordinary journey. Already the travel time became a special experience. The destination was the legendary Schloss Elmau, where Bastian Drews, the whisky expert and Brand Ambassador of Whyte & Mackay, would later present the Dalmore 21 Year Old.
On the train, the culinary pleasure journey was aptly ushered in with a glass of Mailly Grand Cru. This was followed by the first lively conversations, which created a pleasant atmosphere during the journey in fantastic weather. The glass panorama roof of »The Dalmore Express« offered an impressive view of the passing Alps and foothills of the Alps. These unique moments combined with a first glass of Dalmore 12 Year Old would definitely be remembered by the guests.
At Schloss Elmau, the travelers were royally welcomed by the breathtaking nature and flair of the castle. Once everyone had moved into their luxurious rooms, they found themselves in the estate's famous »Kaminstüberl«.
Bastian Drews opened the premiere of Dalmore 21 Year Old with tales of the history, philosophy and uniqueness of Dalmore's Scottish distillery. The actual moment of the tasting was, according to Merlin Braun, Senior Brand Activation Manager at Mack & Schühle AG, »an incredibly emotional and special moment of silence, awe and appreciation for this 21-year-old excellent rarity.«
To celebrate this moment even more, all guests gathered on the legendary bench in the garden of Schloss Elmau, where presidents were already seated and photographed. The guests agreed that the event already at this point could not be surpassed in terms of »luxury moments«.
The next luxurious highlight: Chef Christoph Rainer from the 2-star restaurant Luce d'Oro created a menu perfectly matched to the five whiskies of the Dalmore Collection. In addition to the masterful whiskies, this menu was accompanied by wonderful wines selected by Marie-Hélène Krebs, the sovereign and cordial hostess and sommelière of the Luce d'Oro, who harmoniously rounded off the dinner. Merlin Braun raved: »Rarely have I experienced such culinary harmony and coherence at such a high and incredible level.« Bastian Drews also expressed his enthusiasm: »The journey with »The Dalmore Express« and the Dalmore tasting with the coordinated menu at Luce d'Oro were just two highlights here - the whole day was truly breathtaking. «
To conclude this impressive dinner, all guests gathered around pianist Marina Schlagintweit's grand piano. Five minutes of absolute and completely pure emotion followed, during which the musician performed her own composition and musical interpretation for Dalmore Highland Single Malt 21 Year Old, »The Glow of Potential« for the first time. With the Dalmore 21 in their glasses and the premiere of this composition in their ears, the guests were transported into their own world of thoughts for a few minutes and were able to completely surrender to these sensory pleasure. As a personal gift, a vinyl recording of the piece awaited the guests, already in place for dessert.
During dessert, Bastian Drews initiated everyone present into the special features of the 21-year-old Dalmore and reported on the impressive cask aging, which is decisive for the unique taste of this rarity. Matured in American white oak barrels with a finish in a barrel from Bodegas Gonzalez Byass in Jerez (Sherry), in which a 30-year-old Oloroso Sherry »Matusalem« matured before. The abundance of aromas can hardly be put into words: fine vanilla, honey, Seville oranges, dark chocolate...
Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Thomas Girst awaited the guests in the Kaminstüberl with lively excerpts from his book "Alle Zeit der Welt". The author gave an impressive account of time, encounters and feelings, and then invited the guests to a pleasant get-together and interesting conversations.
Each guest received an individually signed book by the author as a souvenir. The end of the evening was accompanied by exquisite cocktails with Dalmore rarities. The guests could choose e.g. between a Rob Roy or a Jerez Sour. Thus, an unforgettable event with wonderful guests came to an end.
