The Dalmore, Scotland’s renowned Highland single malt distillery, unveils the final chapter in its prestigious Luminary Series—a groundbreaking 2025 edition that unites the worlds of contemporary architecture and Scottish whisky craftsmanship. This extraordinary release is the result of a visionary collaboration between Ben Dobbin, architect at Foster + Partners (famed for Apple Park in California), and Dalmore’s own master whisky makers.
Two Editions, One Artistic Vision
The Dalmore Luminary No.3 features two distinct expressions that embody rarity, innovation, and artistic brilliance:
The Luminary No.3 – The Rare
A true collector’s masterpiece, this edition is housed in a sculptural decanter suspended within a bronze architectural frame crafted by Ben Dobbin. The whisky itself is an ultra-limited single malt of exquisite depth and complexity. Only three pieces exist worldwide:
- One to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong to benefit the V&A Dundee Museum
- One to be displayed at The Dalmore Distillery
- One reserved for a future release in a collector’s set featuring all three Luminary Editions
The Luminary No.3 – The Collectible
A limited-edition bottling of the same 17-year-old whisky, presented in elegant packaging inspired by Dobbin’s sculptural design. Available strictly through allocated distribution, these bottles will be offered via a select network of fine wine and whisky retailers worldwide, including exclusive partners in Belgium and Luxembourg.
A Masterpiece Born at the Crossroads of Art and Whisky
This edition marks a unique collaboration between Ben Dobbin, Gregg Glass (Master Whisky Maker), and Richard Paterson OBE, a legendary figure in the whisky world. Together, they’ve created a whisky that reflects the precision of architecture and the soul of artisanal spirit-making.
The 17-year-old single malt underwent a groundbreaking maturation process, never before used at The Dalmore. Traditional aging in 30-year-old Sherry casks (Matusalem and Apostoles) was enhanced by the addition of rare Calvados casks (vintages 1981 and 1999), alongside Bordeaux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and ex-Bourbon American oak casks.
A Symphony of Flavor
The result is a whisky of remarkable aromatic complexity:
- Nose: Fresh orchard fruits, Madagascar vanilla, and rose
- Palate: Tarte Tatin, red apple, red liquorice, dark cocoa, warming spices, and hints of Seville orange and green tea
- Finish: Long and silky, with notes of warm brioche, dried apricots, juicy blackberries, and cinnamon bark
With this final chapter, The Luminary Series affirms its place as a landmark in whisky artistry—merging architectural genius with whisky excellence. Each release exemplifies The Dalmore’s philosophy: to create timeless masterpieces at the intersection of flavor, design, and craftsmanship.
