Distilled by the masters of whisky, matured for decades and bottled in a rare exquisite decanter. Clear space in your whisky cabinet in advance, because The Dalmore is launching two particularly exclusive Limited Editions!
Text: Gerben Bijpost
Every so often The Dalmore released a new set of the Luminary Series, consisting of two whiskies: 'The Rare' and 'The Collectible'. For this, it collaborates with the Scottish design museum V&A Dundee - known for the famous Victoria & Albert Museum in London - and luminaries in architecture and design.
This year, the honour went to architect Melodie Leung of the renowned architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects, whose responsibilities included the design of the unique carafe (The Rare) and packaging (The Collectible).
Symbolism
Melodie Leung created two amber sculptures for the launch of the new Luminary Series, symbolising the dynamic between The Dalmore's craftsmanship and the complexity of the maturation process. The sculptures reflect the multiple layers of maturation and blending that were required to create these special whiskies.
The Rare
This year's 'The Rare Luminary 2024 Edition' features a unique 49-year-old Single Malt whisky launched once in just 3 decanters. Under the expert supervision of The Dalmore's master whisky maker Gregg Glass and master distiller Richard 'The Nose' Paterson OBE, this rare Luminary matured in ex-Bourbon casks of American white oak before finishing in a mix of Port Colhieta 1963, Apostoles sherry, selected Bourbon and unique hybrid casks.
Through this extraordinary maturation and blending process of almost half a century, this aged Highland Single Malt contains layers of intense vanilla, dark berry and cocoa aromas. Flavours of freshly roasted chestnuts, blackcurrants, Doyenne pears and soft patisserie spices lead to a subtly sweet and smoky finish. One set of 'The Rare Luminary 2024 Edition' will be auctioned at Sotheby's in May. Expect a six-figure sum, which incidentally will be donated to the V&A Dundee museum in Scotland.
The Collectible
More attainable is 'The Collectible'. 20,000 bottles of this collectible whisky will be launched - still a Limited Edition, in other words.
This 16-year-old Single Malt was matured in bourbon casks by master whisky distiller Gregg Glass and finished in a mix of Graham's Tawny port casks and Apostoles sherry casks, with a small proportion in tarted, hand-selected, ex-refill Bourbon casks. A treat for nose and taste buds, which steals the show with its special packaging, designed by Melodie Leung. Costs €325.
More information on The Dalmore Luminary Series 2024 can be found at HERE.
About The Dalmore
For more than 180 years, The Dalmore has set the standard in multi barrel maturation.
Hand-selected casks from the world's finest bodegas and wineries are used to create a lush and layered whisky with fantastic finesse. Founded in 1839 on the banks of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore has been making exceptional whiskies for more than 180 years. The 12-point silver stag that proudly adorns each bottle was gifted to the first leader of Clan Mackenzie by King Alexander III of Scotland in 1263. The stag became the logo when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1878.
English 
Dutch 
German