The Dalmore and V&A Dundee release Luminary - The Collectible - 2024 Edition in GTR
The release is part of the second instalment of The Dalmore Luminary Series curated in partnership with Scotland design museum V&A Dundee; alongside The Collectible in the two part series is The Rare 49 YO Highland Single Malt
The release is part of the second instalment of The Dalmore Luminary Series curated in partnership with V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum, which brings together luminaries from the worlds of whisky and architectural design.
Alongside The Collectible in the two-part release is The Rare, a 49 Year Old Highland Single Malt, housed in a glass sculpture by Melodie Leung, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, which will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in May 2024 with all proceeds donated to V&A Dundee.
The Dalmore Luminary Series is also unveiling new masterpieces: a glass amber sculpture and collectable presentation case housing two new rare Highland Single Malt whiskies. The Dalmore Luminary - The Rare - 2024 Edition will be offered at auction with all proceeds donated to Scotland’s design museum, and The Dalmore Luminary - The Collectible - 2024 Edition will be available at leading luxury and specialist retailers globally from April 2, 2024.
The three-part series celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence through compelling collaborations between luminaries in whisky mastery and architectural design.
The carefully crafted elements of The Dalmore Luminary – 2024 Edition were created in collaboration by Leung, Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker at The Dalmore, and Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE.
Leung and The Dalmore whisky makers have worked side by side to share and examine where their intricate skills and knowledge converge. The result of the close collaboration is two new releases that creatively stretch the signature styles of Zaha Hadid Architects and The Dalmore. Both of these promise to delight both whisky and design enthusiasts in a fascinating exploration of the interaction of flavor and form.
The Collectible, which will be available for travel retail shoppers at select outlets worldwide, allows whisky enthusiasts to discover a one-of-a-kind expression from The Dalmore, with a small amount of exceptionally rare peated Dalmore spirit. The 16 Year Old whisky was matured in Bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Graham’s Tawny Port pipes and Apostoles sherry casks, with a small portion in peated, hand-selected, ex-refill Bourbon casks.
The bottle is housed in a presentation case that echoes the glowing, swirling design of The Rare sculpture and it will be available from select luxury and specialist retailers, as well as in global travel retail
Janice McIntosh, Marketing Director Global Travel Retail, Whyte & Mackay, says, “The Dalmore Luminary Collectible will be a feature showcase in key airport hubs from April to July, amplifying the unique 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 creative process 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 bottle is housed in a presentation case that echoes the glowing, swirling design of The Rare sculpture and it will be available from select luxury and specialist retailers, as well as in global travel retail.
Glass explains, “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.”
The Rare sees a 49 Year Old whisky and sculptural housing which was created by the trio.
Only three decanters and two sculptures of The Rare will ever be made, with one set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s in May, with all proceeds donated to V&A Dundee.
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. 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 Rare and The Collectible are covetable additions to any serious collection and reflect the shared commitment of The Dalmore, V&A Dundee and Leung to champion exceptional design and innovation on a global scale. All proceeds from Sotheby’s sale of The Rare will be donated to V&A Dundee in support of its important mission to inspire and empower through design.
The Dalmore, Zaha Hadid Architects and V&A Dundee combined forces and involved the architectural practice in an exhibition which opened at V&A Dundee on March 29.
*Photo credit: How Images Shape the Urban World
