UK. The Dalmore Portfolio Series, a new initiative from the prestige Scotch whisky single malt brand and design institution V&A Dundee, has made its global debut exclusively with travel experience player Avolta.
The travel retail-exclusive Portfolio Series comprises three limited-edition single malt whiskies, available at Avolta-owned World Duty Free stores at Heathrow Airport this month before launching at other international airports in October.
The Dalmore Portfolio Series No.1 is priced at £500/US$635 and is limited to 5,000 bottles. The Dalmore Portfolio Series No.2 is priced at £750/US$950 with 2,000 bottles available. The Dalmore Portfolio Series No.3 is priced at £1,000/US$1,250 and 1,000 bottles are available for sale.
The series, which will be repeated each year, celebrates a young artist identified for their artistic potential. In this first year, Fraser Gray of Edinburgh, Scotland, has created a striking interpretation of The Dalmore Distillery, depicted on the bottles.
This is the latest release under a creative partnership between The Dalmore and V&A Dundee. The four-year programme first featured The Dalmore Luminary Series.
The most recent initiative emerging from the partnership was a collaboration between The Dalmore’s Master Whisky Makers – Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE – with renowned architect Melodie Leung, who together created a pair of limited-edition whiskies accompanied by an architectural presentation sculpture. Their creation was presented at Sotheby’s London for auction, with the proceeds donated to V&A Dundee.
For The Portfolio Series V&A Dundee paired The Dalmore with artists, the first of which is Fraser Gray, who grew up in the local area. Gray’s Portfolio Series is also available to purchase in Scotland, exclusively at V&A Dundee.
Heathrow Retail Director Fraser Brown said: “As the UK’s international gateway, Heathrow has a unique platform on which to introduce an international audience to the best of British craftsmanship.
“We are proud to host the global debut of The Portfolio Series, a limited-edition range which brings together the exciting work of emerging young artists and The Dalmore’s expert Scotch whisky makers.”
Avolta Category Manager for Liquor in the UK Paul Martin commented: “We are extremely proud to be able to offer this exceptional Dalmore Portfolio Series in our Heathrow World Duty Free stores, as a one-month exclusive in travel retail, ahead of its roll-out across the sector.
“We’re always looking for innovative and unique products for our customers and it’s exciting to be able to offer exceptional whiskies such as these.
“The creative partnership between The Dalmore and the V&A Dundee showcasing the work of talented local Scottish artists, takes this collection of whiskies to another level, while delivering that all-important sense of heritage and place. We’re confident it will be extremely well received by our customers.”
Whyte & Mackay Commercial Controller Joanne Morris added: “The Dalmore is enjoying continued consumer demand, especially in global travel retail. We are particularly proud to unveil this exceptional trio of whiskies, with the beautiful creativity of Fraser Gray.
“The partnership with Avolta and London Heathrow is of strategic importance to us, as we seek to push the boundaries of the channel. The Dalmore Portfolio Series is set to offer global travellers another truly memorable experience, for which The Dalmore has become known.”
The 2024 Portfolio Series tasting notes (from The Dalmore):
The Dalmore Portfolio Series No.1
Aroma: lemon drizzle cake, manuka honey, grape-pulped and Golden Delicious apple.
On the palate: rich vanilla, citrus and ripe fruit.
Finishing notes: poached pears drenched uncompromisingly in creamy custard.
“Bottled at 46.8%, this Dalmore expression offers a taste of an exceptional single malt, nurtured in carefully selected Bordeaux wine casks, sourced from a house of repute in France, and home to a catalogue of fine releases.”
The Dalmore Portfolio Series No.2
Aroma: ripe pink grapefruit, ginger and vanilla, with a hint of marmalade, toffee apple and raisins.
On the palate: crushed almonds, sweet sultanas, fresh ginger and soft liquorice.
Finishing notes: poached pear and cranberries.
“Bottled at 46.0% the recipe is carefully created by The Dalmore’s Master Whisky Makers, finished in specially selected casks from our whisky makers’ favourite wine region – Châteauneuf -du-Pape.”
The Dalmore Portfolio Series No.3
Aroma: dark, rich forest fruits, fresh Seville oranges, liquorice and cedar wood.
On the palate: blackcurrant, naked apples, demerara sugar, intertwined with warm dark cacao.
Finishing notes: bergamot, passion fruit, baked brioche and wood spice.
“Bottled at 49.7% ABV, only the finest estates were considered for the creation of this whisky. An iconic vineyard, classified as Premier Grand Cru, has granted The Dalmore access to finish this whisky, imparting exceptional character from wine to cask to The Dalmore. It is a taste to be treasured.” ✈
