UMVA has learned that a revolutionary whisky series, born from the unlikely union of architecture and fine spirits, has been making waves in the industry. The Dalmore's Luminary Series brings together master distillers and renowned architects to craft unique whiskies that reflect the personalities and styles of their creators.
The collaboration began in 2020 with The Dalmore's partnership with V&A Dundee, Scotland's design museum. This led to the creation of The Luminary No. 1 Collectible 2022, a masterpiece developed in conjunction with Kengo Kuma, the designer of V&A Dundee, and his protégé Maurizio Mucciola. The result was a whisky aged in different oak barrels from three continents, paying tribute to the beauty of wood.
Last year, The Dalmore unveiled Luminary No. 3, a 17-year-old spirit crafted with Ben Dobbin of Foster & Partners architects, the designers of The Gherkin in London. This whisky was aged in a variety of barrels, including vintage Calvados, rare Sherry, and select red wine casks from Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The complex aging process resulted in a rich, full-bodied flavor profile.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that The Dalmore's Philippine debut was marked by the launch of Luminary No. 2 and No. 3 at Newport World Resorts' The Whisky Library. George Schulze, The Dalmore's Resident Whisky Expert for Asia, led a masterclass where attendees got to taste these exceptional whiskies. Luminary No. 2, a collaboration with Melodie Leung of Zaha Hadid Architects, boasts a light, fruity, and spicy scent, with a warm, pleasant flavor.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the Luminary Series is all about the art of cask selection. Schulze emphasized that the casks used to create these whiskies are carefully chosen to represent the spirit of the architect. The result is a collection of complex, nuanced flavors that reflect the personalities of their creators. With only 20,000 bottles of each Luminary expression available worldwide, and a mere 180 in the Philippines, these whiskies are truly exclusive.
The Dalmore's innovative approach to whisky-making has resulted in a truly unique collection. By combining the worlds of architecture and fine spirits, The Dalmore has created a new standard for whisky connoisseurs. With the Luminary Series, The Dalmore has proven that the art of whisky-making is not just about the liquid, but about the story behind it.
