The Dalmore has launched The Luminary 2024 Edition collection into global travel retail. It is the second release in The Dalmore Luminary Series which is curated in partnership with the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) Dundee, Scotland’s design museum.
The collection comprises two whiskies — The Rare and The Collectible — two age statement Highland single malt whiskies housed in glass amber sculptures and collectible presentation cases.
The two releases blend the signature styles of Zaha Hadid Architects and The Dalmore, combining form and flavour. The striking bottle is housed in an elegant presentation case that echoes the swirling design of The Rare sculpture.
The Collectible
The Dalmore Luminary The Collectible 2024 Edition launched in selected luxury and specialist retailers on 2 April. Travel retail will offer the expression with a limited allocation.
The Collectible was conceived by Zaha Hadid Architects Director Melodie Leung alongside The Dalmore Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE.
The 16 Year Old whisky was matured in Bourbon casks and finished in a combination of Graham’s Tawny port pipes and Apostoles sherry casks, with a small portion in peated, hand-selected ex-refill Bourbon casks.
The whisky offers herbal wood smoke aromas over a nose of Manuka honey, crème brulée, antique leather and tropical fruits. On the palate it offers flavours of ripe figs, oranges, forest fruits and brioche.
Whyte & Mackay Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Janice McIntosh commented: “The Dalmore Luminary Collectible will be a feature showcase in key airport hubs from April to July, amplifying the creative and philanthropic partnership between The Dalmore, Melodie Leung and the V&A Dundee to the modern luxury traveller.
“This limited edition celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence from The Dalmore whisky makers and celebrates the journey of craft and exploration that has culminated in a very special one of kind flavour profile”.
The Dalmore Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass added: “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 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.”
The Rare
The Rare is made with a 49 Year Old whisky housed in a visually striking sculptural presentation that was co-conceived by Leung, Glass and Paterson. Only three decanters and two sculptures of The Rare have been made, with one set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s in May. All proceeds of the auction will benefit V&A Dundee.
“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,” added Leung.
“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.”
In addition, The Damore, Zaha Hadid Architects and V&A Dundee have partnered to unveil a new exhibition at V&A Dundee. The exhibition is called Photo City: How Images Shape the Urban World and blends the worlds of whisky, architecture, art and photography.
Blending form and flavour
As reported, the three-year Luminary series brings together luminaries from the worlds of whiskies and architecture. The first release was launched in 2022 and was created by acclaimed architects Kengo Kuma and Maurizio Mucciola in collaboration with Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE, and Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass.
Each release in the Luminary Series aims to “bring visionary design talent to the fore” through a bespoke showcase of a unique bottling by The Dalmore’s whisky makers. ✈
