Back in 2022, we told you how The Dalmore Luminary Series was lighting the way for a new kind of whisky partnership. Well, now it’s back for the second instalment of its innovative format that brings together leading figures, or ‘luminaries’, from the worlds of whisky and architectural design in a one-of-a-kind collaboration with Scotland’s design museum, V&A Dundee.
The three-part Luminary series celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence through compelling collaborations between the art forms, a meeting of minds and two schools of thought that together create something profound and evocative – and, better yet, something that raises crucial funds for V&A Dundee.
As Leonie Bell, director of V&A Dundee, explains: “The Dalmore and V&A Dundee partnership is ambitious. It brings our worlds of design, whisky, internationalism, innovation, and a deep commitment to celebrate Scotland’s unique icons, landscapes and crafts together.
“The Dalmore are generously donating the entire proceeds from the auction of the unique sculpture and decanter. This collaboration is invaluable to V&A Dundee and supports our work to generate joy, spark curiosity and to deepen our social impact through design.”
Meeting of minds
The Dalmore’s Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass, Zaha Hadid Architects' Melodie Leung, and The Dalmore’s Richard Paterson OBE at V&A Dundee
Created alongside Melodie Leung, director at Zaha Hadid Architects, the latest chapter of The Dalmore Luminary Series presents two rare and collectable limited-edition Highland Single Malt whiskies quite unlike anything else on the market. Leung and The Dalmore whisky makers have worked side by side to share and examine where their intricate skills and knowledge converge.
Both of these promise to delight both whisky and design enthusiasts in a fascinating exploration of the interaction of flavour and form. Let’s take a look at the end results…
The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition
The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition sees the whisky and its sculptural housing designed by Leung and her team at Zaha Hadid Architects, coupled together with an astonishing 49 Year Old Highland Single Malt crafted by Gregg Glass, master whisky maker at The Dalmore, and master distiller Richard Paterson OBE.
Only three decanters and two sculptures will ever be made of The Rare, which features a dynamic, glass amber sculpture. Leung reveals more about the project’s symbiotic design process: “The sculpture we created for The Rare was inspired by our fascinating discussions around the interaction and flow of flavour notes in the whisky-making process. It mirrors the multiple layers of ageing and blending that went into creating this whisky, which is the exquisite product of nature channelled over time.”
The liquid itself is just as special as its housing. With an extraordinary maturation and blending process, the 49 Year Old Highland Single Malt offers layers of intense vanilla, dark berry fruit and cacao aromas, with a palate of freshly roasted chestnuts, blackcurrant, Doyenne pears and soft patisserie spices leading to a subtle, sweet smoke finish.
The whisky was matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Port Colheita 1963, Apostoles sherry, select Bourbon and a unique 1951/Virgin Oak hybrid cask.
Leung adds: “Experiencing The Dalmore’s outstanding craftsmanship first-hand and being initiated into the complex world of whisky making by Gregg and Richard provided extremely fertile ground for design inspiration.”
So prized is this dramatic glass amber sculpture and 49 Year Old Highland Single Malt, that it sold at Sotheby’s in May 2024 for £93,750 ($117,400), with all proceeds donated to V&A Dundee.
The Dalmore Luminary - The Collectible - 2024 Edition
The limited-edition The Dalmore Luminary - The Collectible - 2024 Edition is available at leading luxury and specialist retailers globally and gives a broader number of whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to discover this unique expression from The Dalmore.
This 16 Year Old Single Malt was matured in bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Graham’s Tawny Port pipes, Apostoles sherry casks and hand-selected, ex-refill Bourbon casks. Better still, it features a small amount of exceptionally rare peated Dalmore spirit that adds further complexity. The resulting liquid introduces a whisper of herbal wood smoke over a nose of Manuka honey, crème brûlée, antique leather and delicate tropical notes complemented by a rich palate of ripe figs, oranges, forest fruits and brioche.
The Dalmore’s master whisky maker, Gregg Glass, says: “This was a true meeting of minds, and the new releases beautifully express the shared journey we’ve all been on.
“While crafting our two new whiskies, we used the technique of time – nurtured carefully to transform through blending – to elevate The Dalmore to a new level. Flavour, colour and form meet together in a holistic sensory experience with swirls of texture, depth, complexity and nuance. We are delighted to finally be sharing these special whiskies with the world.”
To commemorate the latest edition of The Dalmore Luminary Series, The Collectible is housed in a presentation case that echoes the glowing, swirling design of The Rare sculpture. There will be 20,000 sets available at a recommended retail price of £275 at select retailers worldwide.
The Dalmore, Zaha Hadid Architects and V&A Dundee have combined forces and included the architectural practice in an exciting new exhibition at V&A Dundee, running until on Sunday 27 October called 'Photo City: How Images Shape the Urban World'. For more information, see thedalmore.com
