The Dalmore has unveiled the third release in its Luminary Series, a whisky collection that seeks to bridge the gap between traditional distilling and modern design. Revealed ahead of the Venice Biennale of Architecture, The Dalmore Luminary No.3 Edition brings together master whisky makers Richard Paterson OBE and Gregg Glass with British architect Ben Dobbin, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners.
This release comprises two expressions. The Rare, a 52-year-old single malt, and The Collectible, a 17-year-old whisky, both celebrating the interplay between patience, craft, and creative expression. Here are five things you may not know about the new release.
It’s Aged in Casks Once Not Allowed
The Dalmore’s whisky makers used Calvados casks for this release, before Scotch whisky regulations officially permitted them. These French apple brandy barrels add a distinctive orchard fruit note, particularly evident in The Rare.
It’s a sign of how distillers are thinking ahead of the rules, as much as within them. This isn’t the first Calvados matured Scotch whisky to be released, but it shows the distilleries have always been working away on secrets, in some cases before they were even legal.
The Sculpture Literally Suspends the Whisky
The Rare is a super limited edition of just two bottles, which are each presented in a bespoke bronze sculpture created by Dobbin. The sculpture employs a concept known as “tensegrity,” where tension holds a structure in balance, giving the impression the whisky decanter is floating.
One of the two sets of The Rare will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, with all proceeds going to V&A Dundee. The other will remain at The Dalmore’s Highland distillery.
Seven Casks, One Complex Collectible
The 17-year-old version of Luminary No.3 might be more accessible, but it’s no less intricate. It’s finished in no fewer than seven different cask types, including rare Matusalem and Apostoles sherries, Calvados from 1989 and 1999, and wines from Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A total of 20,000 bottles will be released worldwide at $399.99, each in a fold-out case echoing the design of Dobbin’s sculpture.
Architecture and Whisky Share a Design Language
Ben Dobbin’s architecture projects include Apple’s Californian headquarters and the redesign of San Francisco’s Transamerica Pyramid. Dobbin’s history working around form and function allowed him to approach the collaboration as a creative dialogue.
Dobbin likens flavour building in whisky to material choices in architecture. The team spent time together at The Dalmore distillery, drawing shared inspiration from the surrounding Highlands.
The Series Has Raised Over £200,000 for Design Education
Luminary is more than another luxury scotch whisky. The first two releases from the Luminary Series have so far raised over $265,000 (£200,000) for V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum. All proceeds from this year’s Sotheby’s auction of The Rare will once again go to support the museum’s cultural and educational initiatives.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – The Collectible is available in limited quantities from mid-May, priced at £299 / $399 / €340. For those interested in both fine whisky and fine design, it’s a rare opportunity to enjoy a release that stands at the intersection of art, architecture, and spirit.
Latest On The Whiskey Wash
Latest News