SPRING 2025: Next-Level Craft

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Sotheby’s Presents for Auction:

The Dalmore 52 Year Old Luminary No.3 The Rare

A 52 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Housed in a Unique Bronze Sculpture Designed by Ben Dobbin of Renowned Architecture Practice, Foster + Partners

 *Collaboration Officially Launched in Venice Yesterday Evening*

Online Auction in Hong Kong Open for Bidding until 16 May 2025

HONG KONG & LONDON, 8 May 2025 – Following the unveiling in Venice, Italy, yesterday evening of The Dalmore’s collaboration with Foster + Partners’ Ben Dobbin on the 2025 edition of the distillery’s prestigious Luminary Series, bidding is now open on ‘The Rare’ – an exceptionally rare 52-year-old Single Malt whisky housed in a unique bronze sculpture designed by Dobbin. Estimated at HK$800,000-1,600,000 (US$100,000-200,000), the decanter and accompanying sculpture are being offered as part of Sotheby’s Hong Kong sale of Finest & Rarest Spirits. All proceeds from the sale of this third chapter of the Luminary Series will again be donated to The Dalmore’s partner, V&A Dundee, Scotland’s Design Museum.

Only two sculptures will ever be made of The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition. One set will be offered at auction, with the second to be displayed at The Dalmore Distillery in the Scottish Highlands. One final singular decanter will be reserved for The Dalmore’s private archive. The sculpture and decanter being offered for auction goes on view from today at Sotheby’s Maison in Hong Kong, situated in Landmark Chater in the heart of the city.

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Whisky & Spirits, said: “The Dalmore is synonymous with exceptional Single Malt whisky and everything that entails – the people, the geography, the history and the flavour. They have perfected their craft over many decades, with unique limited offerings. Celebrating the worlds of whisky artistry and architectural design, the Luminary Series is the ultimate showcase of the skills of all those who have worked together so brilliantly on this long-term project.  Speaking on behalf of Sotheby’s, it has been a real pleasure to be a part of this journey, alongside V&A Dundee, from the very beginning as we now offer exclusively the third iteration in the series.”

The co-creation between Ben Dobbin of renowned architecture practice Foster + Partners – whose projects include the iconic Apple Park and the revitalisation of the Transamerica Pyramid – and The Dalmore’s renowned whisky makers, Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE – shines a light on the worlds of whisky making artistry and architectural design. Reflections on the power of the landscape and the natural world were a key part of the exchange between the team, with Dobbin captivated by the ebb and flow of the topography surrounding The Dalmore’s Highland distillery, from the finely engineered bridges to the lochs. The resulting asymmetric sculpture made of bronze features dramatic waves and brass rods, smooth curves and straight lines, in precisely balanced tension.

When creating the whisky – the oldest to be released in The Luminary Series – The Dalmore whisky makers took inspiration from Dobbin’s personal tastes and preferences into the creative process. They revisited a special set of Calvados casks, which the team had the foresight to lay down before the French brandy was approved as a cask finish by the Scotch Whisky authorities in 2019. Matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon barrels, the whisky has been finished in a complex cask assemblage of Vintage 1980 Calvados, 1940 Colheita Port, Tawny Port, Pedro Ximénez Sherry aged 40 Years, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The Dalmore Luminary Series 2025 Edition follows two earlier collaborations, firstly with Kengo Kuma (the acclaimed architect that created Japan’s National Stadium) and Maurizio Mucciola, designers of the landmark V&A Dundee, and last year with Melodie Leung, renowned designer and Director at Zaha Hadid Associates, whose portfolio includes The Henderson Building in Hong Kong.

The Luminary Series directly supports The Dalmore’s partnership with V&A Dundee. Since forming their partnership in 2020 and the inception of The Luminary Series, The Dalmore has donated over £200,000 to the museum to aid in their design and community work both locally and globally.

The designer’s proof of The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition sculpture and “dummy” decanter will join The Dalmore Luminary 2022 Edition and 2024 Edition on public display at V&A Dundee from 14 May, ahead of the museum’s ‘Garden Futures’ exhibition, which officially opens on 17 May. One further proof and model decanter will be held in Foster + Partner’s private archive.

TASTING NOTES

• Aroma: Baked red apples, honey, sugared almonds, and soft wood spice
• Tasting notes: Rich caramel, apple crumble, dark chocolate, and blood orange
• Finishing notes: Vanilla, tarte tatin, marzipan, and liquorice
• Natural colour, non-chill filtered, natural strength, bottle at the whisky maker’s discretion – select strength 40.3% ABV

THE LUMINARY NO.1 & NO.2 AT SOTHEBY’S

• Sotheby’s sold The Dalmore 48 Year Old Luminary No. 1 Rare for £118,750 / US$137,900 in November 2022, and The Dalmore 49 Year Old Luminary No.2 The Rare for £93,750 / US$117,400 in May 2024. 

FURTHER RESULTS OF SOTHEBY’S PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DALMORE

• At Sotheby’s Hong Kong in October 2021, the only complete collection of The Dalmore Decades – a one-of-a-kind set of six vintage single malts spanning 1951 to 2000 – direct from the distillery, sold for HK$8,750,000 / US$1,124,000 / £830,000.
• At Sotheby’s London in May 2019, The Dalmore L’Anima Aged 49 Years, a one-of-a-kind Scotch whisky bottling created by The Dalmore and Massimo Bottura, sold for £108,900 / US$140,350. 

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

About The Dalmore

Founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore has been making masterpieces of whisky for over 180 years. The 12-point silver stag which proudly adorns each bottle was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1878. The Dalmore distillery’s collection of idiosyncratic stills creates a New Make spirit of unique character and depth – robust and fruity, particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation. This allows The Dalmore’s renowned whisky makers to develop spirit over longer periods, continuing a tradition of visionary whisky-making as they fully express their art using rare casks from some of the world’s finest wineries and bodegas.

About V&A Dundee

V&A Dundee is Scotland’s design museum. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the museum is at the centre of Dundee’s reimagined waterfront and is part of the V&A family of museums that celebrate creativity in all its forms from across centuries, for everyone. V&A Dundee features world-class exhibitions alongside the permanent Scottish Design Galleries, and a changing programme of commissions, events and activities. The V&A and The Dalmore share a historic legacy of pioneering work and innovation. Founded in 1839, The Dalmore holds exclusive use of the royal 12-pointed stag emblem after the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, the distillery’s historic owners, saved King Alexander III from a charging stag. Just over a decade later, in 1852, the V&A was founded with a mission to educate designers, manufacturers and the public in art and design. This followed the Great Exhibition of 1851 which was created and championed by Prince Albert. From their respective homes in Scotland, both V&A Dundee and The Dalmore are integral community and cultural hubs at the heart of the region. Today, both V&A Dundee and The Dalmore are proud champions of Scottish culture and unite to celebrate a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their collaboration is anchored in exporting shared purpose, talent and stories, and in curating and advocating exceptional design and craftsmanship.

About Ben Dobbin

Ben Dobbin is a British-born architect, designer, and digital artist who grew up in England. He studied architecture at Edinburgh University, where he developed an interest in the interaction between contemporary design and historical contexts.  In 2001 he joined globally recognised architects Foster + Partners, where he worked under the guidance of Norman Foster on notable projects including The Gherkin building in London, EY Headquarters in Amsterdam. Ben was a key design team leader at Apple Park in California, where he now lives and leads the San Francisco office.  He was also design team lead on the revitalisation of the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Throughout his career, Dobbin has pursued his passion for art; creating abstract digital works exploring themes of synaesthesia, landscape, music, and memory.

About Foster + Partners

Foster + Partners is an award-winning global studio for architecture, urbanism and design, rooted in sustainability, which was founded in 1967 by Norman Foster. Since then, the practice has established an international reputation for thoughtful and pioneering design, working as a single studio that is both ethnically and culturally diverse. The studio integrates the skills of architecture with engineering, both structural and environmental, urbanism, interior and industrial design and many more. These diverse skills make Foster + Partners capable of tackling a wide range of projects, particularly those of considerable complexity and scale. Key projects include headquarters for Apple, Bloomberg and Comcast, the ‘Gherkin’ building, the Great Court at the British Museum and the Millennium Bridge in London.

THE DALMORE UNVEILS COLLABORATION WITH FOSTER + PARTNERS’ BEN DOBBIN

ON THE PRESTIGIOUS LUMINARY SERIES AS 2025 EDITION LAUNCHES IN VENICE

L-R: Richard Paterson OBE, Master Distiller, The Dalmore with Luminary No.3, Ben Dobbin of Foster + Partners and Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker, The Dalmore, pictured with The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare – at V&A Dundee 

• Two new limited edition whiskies launched in third chapter of ‘The Dalmore Luminary Series’
• Curated in partnership with V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum
• Ben Dobbin of Foster + Partners collaborated with The Dalmore’s Master Whisky Makers on The Dalmore Luminary Series No.3, resulting in two rare whisky releases
• The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare – an exceptionally rare Single Malt Whisky Aged 52 Years, housed in a unique bronze sculpture designed by Dobbin which will be offered at auction by Sotheby’s Hong Kong in May, in support of partner V&A Dundee
• The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – 2025 Edition – a rare Single Malt Whisky Aged 17 Years, inspired by The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare – presented within a bespoke case and available globally in limited edition of just 20,000 bottles
• The Dalmore Luminary Series No.3 officially launched on 7th May 2025 on the eve of the Venice Biennale of Architecture – the prestigious exhibition of architecture from countries around the world

The Dalmore Single Malt Whisky proudly announce their collaboration with Ben Dobbin of renowned architecture practice Foster + Partners for the third chapter of The Dalmore Luminary Series, which shines a light on the worlds of whisky making artistry and architectural design.

Curated in partnership with V&A Dundee, Scotland’s Design Museum, The Dalmore Luminary Series No.3 offers two exquisite new Single Malt Whiskies, both a co-creation between Ben Dobbin, whose projects include the iconic Apple Park (USA) and the revitalisation of the Transamerica Pyramid (USA), and The Dalmore’s renowned Whisky Makers, Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE.

The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare – is an extremely rare Single Malt Whisky Aged 52 Years, the oldest whisky to be released in The Luminary Series. This beautifully rich whisky will be held in a specially designed decanter, housed within a bespoke sculpture designed by Dobbin and is to be offered at auction by Sotheby’s, in support of partner V&A Dundee.

The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – 2025 Edition – The Collectible is a rare Single Malt Whisky Aged 17 Years with bespoke presentation case, inspired by ‘The Rare’. Strictly limited, only 20,000 bottles will be available globally at select luxury and specialist retailers.

This edition of The Dalmore Luminary Series is rooted in creative flow and precision. These are qualities shared by Ben Dobbin and The Dalmore’s Master Whisky Makers, Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE, in both ethos and process, as Luminaries in their respective fields. This is evident in both the whiskies and accompanying designs created for these very special releases.

Reflections on the power of landscapes and nature to inspire creativity were a key part of the exchange between the team, with Dobbin captivated by the ebb and flow of the topography and finely engineered magnificence of the bridges and lochs that surround The Dalmore’s Highland distillery.

The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare

Dobbin’s extraordinary sculpture which houses The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare – sees the whisky appear almost suspended in time and is a fine example of tensegrity, a contemporary style of architecture in which objects appear to be built by nature in precisely balanced tension. Using this architectural approach, Dobbin has designed an art sculpture that is dynamic, bold and perfectly balanced.  The asymmetric sculpture made of bronze, features dramatic waves and rods, smooth curves and straight lines, and is balanced with precision in dynamic equilibrium.

The Dalmore whisky makers were equally exacting when creating the whiskies and also took inspiration from Dobbin’s personal tastes and preferences into the creative process. The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare is Aged 52 Years with a multi-cask finish in exceptionally rare casks, whilst The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – 2025 Edition is Aged 17 Years and also features a complex multi-cask finish that alludes to the flavour profile of ‘The Rare’.

Inspired by conversations with Dobbin, The Dalmore whisky makers revisited a special set of Calvados casks, which the team had the foresight to laydown even before the French brandy was approved as a cask finish by the Scotch Whisky authorities in 2019.

From here, both whiskies took on separate and complex maturation journeys, whilst staying true to the signature house style of citrus, chocolate and warming spice that The Dalmore is known and loved for.  The resulting whiskies showcase The Dalmore’s pioneering approach to multi-cask maturation and whisky making artistry.

The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – 2025 Edition

The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare is aged 52 Years and will be offered at leading auction house Sotheby’s along with the accompanying sculpture. The auction will be held via Sotheby’s Hong Kong and will close on 16^th May, with 100% of proceeds again donated to V&A Dundee, Scotland’s Design Museum. The lot is one of only two sets, with the second set to be held at The Dalmore distillery, in the Scottish Highlands.

This exceptionally rare Single Malt is a sumptuous and layered whisky of finesse. It captures the essence of The Dalmore’s whisky making artistry and reflects the design philosophy behind Ben Dobbin’s sculpture. Just as Dobbin’s work balances precision and creative flow, The Dalmore’s whisky makers elevate the spirit’s journey by moving parcels of whisky between some of the world’s rarest casks. These include Vintage 1980 Calvados, 1940 Colheita Port, rare Tawny Port, 40 year old Pedro Ximénez Sherry, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine casks. By harnessing the tension between these diverse cask characters, that are either contrasting or complementary, The Dalmore has brought to life a whisky of extraordinary depth, complexity and enduring elegance. A rare masterpiece, creating a truly extraordinary moment of reward. 

The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – 2025 Edition – The Collectible is aged 17 Years and is inspired by ‘The Rare’, elegantly housed in a bespoke, fold-out presentation case, which draws inspiration from the sculpture. A strictly limited release, just 20,000 bottles will be made available globally from mid-May.

From initial maturation in American White Oak ex-Bourbon barrels, this whisky has been finished in a bold combination of seven casks, including both vintage and aged Calvados, rare Matusalem Sherry, rare Apostoles Sherry, select red wine casks from Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape and fully matured American White Oak.

The Dalmore Luminary Series No. 3 follows two acclaimed earlier collaborations, firstly with Kengo Kuma and Maurizio Mucciola, designers of the landmark V&A Dundee, and last year with Melodie Leung, renowned designer and Director at Zaha Hadid Associates, whose portfolio includes The Henderson Building in Hong Kong.

The Luminary Series proudly supports The Dalmore’s partner V&A Dundee, Scotland’s Design Museum. Since forming their partnership in 2020 and the inception of The Luminary Series in 2021, The Dalmore has given over £200,000 to the museum to aid in their design and community work both locally and globally.

All elements for this third chapter of The Dalmore Luminary Series were conceived collaboratively, with Glass, Paterson and Dobbin working together to bring both the whiskies and designs to life.

Ben Dobbin, Luminary No.3 and Senior Partner at Foster + Partners said: “As an architect, collaborating with The Dalmore has been absolutely fascinating. Technically, it has been a much more precise – yet creative process than I imagined. The Dalmore’s whisky makers think about flavour the way I think about art and design. Spending time at The Dalmore Distillery really shaped my design process and with the sculpture, I wanted to bring to life our shared sense of place, materiality, and how our worlds bridge.”

“I have grown up with a love of whisky, thanks to my father, so was of course excited by the prospect of working with The Dalmore, though admittedly at the same time, it was a bit daunting at first to be working with some of whisky’s greatest taste makers in Richard and Gregg. However, we quickly understood that we experience and articulate in similar ways which made for an authentic and true partnership and resulting creations, which I am immensely proud of.”

Richard Paterson OBE, Master Distiller of The Dalmore adds: “This collaboration with Ben perfectly adds to and strengthens The Luminary Series, demonstrating a totally different and new dimension of what can be achieved when creative talents from different, yet complementary fields, unite.”

“It has been a pleasure to work together on this third edition of The Luminary Series and we are thrilled to be able to share the results for whisky and design lovers alike to enjoy, all whilst supporting our friends V&A Dundee in the great work that they do.”

Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker of The Dalmore adds: “Meeting Ben was a true meeting of minds. There are actually many similarities between whisky making and architecture, both being a very iterative process but also striving to create something that stands the test of time.”

“We constantly endeavour to make masterpieces of malt and once again I am proud to say that The Dalmore Luminary Series showcases our commitment, whilst staying true to our shared vision and our overarching theme of creative flow and precision, elements important to both of us.”

Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee, said: “Working with The Dalmore and each of the Luminaries has been a joy, to see how the complex and precise process of creating the very best whisky links so closely to the meticulous approaches of some of the most innovative architects designing in the world today.”

“Ben Dobbin and Foster + Partners work on extraordinary projects around the world and we are delighted to be working alongside them, co-curating and staging an exhibition of his architectural practice, in celebration of our partnership with The Dalmore.”

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Whisky & Spirits, said: “The Dalmore is synonymous with exceptional Single Malt Whisky and everything that entails – the people, the geography, the history and the flavour. They have perfected their craft over many decades, most recently with unique limited offerings.

“Celebrating the worlds of whisky artistry and architectural design, The Dalmore Luminary Series is the ultimate showcase of the skills of all those who have worked together so brilliantly on this long-term project. Speaking on behalf of Sotheby’s, it has been a real pleasure to be a part of this journey, alongside V&A Dundee, from the very beginning and as we now offer exclusively the third iteration in the series.”

The Global Launch in Venice

The Dalmore Luminary Series No.3 was officially unveiled on Wednesday 7^th May 2025 in Venice, ahead of the world’s most important exhibition of architecture, the Venice Biennale. The global launch featured dynamic discussion from The Dalmore’s Luminary collaborators – Ben Dobbin, Melodie Leung and Maurizio Mucciola – moderated by Venice Architecture Biennale 2023 curator, Professor Lesley Lokko OBE.

The Venice Biennale invites conversation on the role of architecture in the world. Attendees to this event from The Dalmore received an exclusive first look at The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition sculpture and decanter which featured in a unique exhibition co-curated by V&A Dundee and Foster + Partners, and is available to view digitally from 8^th May via The Dalmore website. A world-first tasting of The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – 2025 Edition was also hosted.

The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare – will be offered at auction by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, where the sculpture and decanter will be on display from 9^th – 16^th May. The auction will close on 16^th May, and as with the 2024 Edition auctioned last year, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to V&A Dundee.

The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – 2025 Edition will be available from luxury and specialist retailers around the world and also in global travel retail, from mid-May, RRP $399 / £299 / €340. Those in the UK and USA can also purchase directly: https://www.thedalmore.com/en/luminary-series-2025-edition.

A designer’s proof of The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition sculpture and decanter will join The Dalmore Luminary 2022 Edition and Luminary 2024 Edition currently on display at V&A Dundee, from 14^th May 2025, ahead of the museum’s ‘Garden Futures’ exhibition, which officially opens on 17^th May. 

The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare

• Only two complete sets of The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition, will ever be made – a Single Malt Whisky Aged 52 Years from The Dalmore, presented in a beautiful decanter and housed in a dramatic bronze sculpture by Ben Dobbin of Foster + Partners
• Matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon barrels, then finished in a rich and complex cask assemblage of Vintage 1980 Calvados, 1940 Colheita Port, Tawny Port, 40 Years Old Pedro Ximénez Sherry, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape casks
• One decanter and sculpture will be offered at auction by Sotheby’s Hong Kong in May 2025, with 100% of proceeds going to V&A Dundee
• One decanter and sculpture to be displayed at The Dalmore Distillery
• One singular decanter reserved for The Dalmore archive
• A designer’s proof and model decanter will be on permanent display in V&A Dundee’s design galleries from 14^th May 2025, and one further proof and model decanter will be held in Foster + Partner’s archive

Tasting Notes:

Aroma:                              Baked red apples, honey, sugared almonds, and soft wood spice

Tasting Notes:                  Rich caramel, apple crumble, dark chocolate, and blood orange

Finishing Notes:               Vanilla, tarte tatin, marzipan, and liquorice

Natural colour, non-chill filtered, bottled at natural strength at 40.3% ABV 

The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – 2025 Edition – The Collectible

• Strictly limited to just 20,000 bottles The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – 2025 Edition. A Single Malt Whisky Aged 17 Years from The Dalmore, inspired by The Rare and completed by a bespoke presentation case
• Matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon barrels, then finished in a complex cask assemblage of Calvados, Vintage Calvados (1989 and 1999), Matusalem Sherry, Apostoles Sherry, red wine casks from Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and ex-Bourbon barrels
• Available from mid-May 2025 at specialist and luxury retailers, as well as global travel retail and via https://www.thedalmore.com/en/luminary-series-2025-edition for those in the UK and USA
• RRP: $399 / £299 / €340

Tasting Notes:

Aroma:                              Vibrant orchard character leads on to Madagascan vanilla and cinnamon, with delicate rose water top notes

Tasting Notes:                  Rich butterscotch, red apples, tarte tatin, dark cacao, red liquorice, and soft wood spices, elevated by notes of cardamom, Seville oranges, and green tea

Finishing notes:               Dried apricots, ripe blackberries, fresh baked brioche, and soft lingering cassia bark

Natural colour, non-chill filtered, bottled at the whisky makers’ discretion – select strength 49.2% ABV

The Luminary inspired exhibition co-curated by V&A Dundee and Foster + Partners can be viewed digitally via www.thedalmore.com from 8^th May 2025.

About The Dalmore

Founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore has been making masterpieces of whisky for over 180 years.

The 12-point silver stag which proudly adorns each bottle was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1878.

The Dalmore distillery’s collection of idiosyncratic stills creates a New Make spirit of unique character and depth – robust and fruity, particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation. This allows The Dalmore’s renowned whisky makers to develop spirit over longer periods, continuing a tradition of visionary whisky-making as they fully express their art using rare casks from some of the world’s finest wineries and bodegas. 

About V&A Dundee

V&A Dundee is Scotland’s design museum. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the museum is at the centre of Dundee’s reimagined waterfront and is part of the V&A family of museums that celebrate creativity in all its forms from across centuries, for everyone.

V&A Dundee features world-class exhibitions alongside the permanent Scottish Design Galleries, and a changing programme of commissions, events and activities.

The V&A and The Dalmore share a historic legacy of pioneering work and innovation. Founded in 1839, The Dalmore holds exclusive use of the royal 12-pointed stag emblem after the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, the distillery’s historic owners, saved King Alexander III from a charging stag. Just over a decade later, in 1852, the V&A was founded with a mission to educate designers, manufacturers and the public in art and design. This followed the Great Exhibition of 1851 which was created and championed by Prince Albert.

From their respective homes in Scotland, both V&A Dundee and The Dalmore are integral community and cultural hubs at the heart of the region.

Today, both V&A Dundee and The Dalmore are proud champions of Scottish culture and unite to celebrate a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their collaboration is anchored in exporting shared purpose, talent and stories, and in curating and advocating exceptional design and craftsmanship. 

About Ben Dobbin

Ben Dobbin is a British-born architect, designer, and digital artist who grew up in England. He studied architecture at Edinburgh University, where he developed an interest in the interaction between contemporary design and historical contexts.

In 2001 he joined globally recognised architects Foster + Partners, where he worked under the guidance of Norman Foster on notable projects including The Gherkin building in London, EY Headquarters in Amsterdam. Ben was a key design team leader at Apple Park in California, where he now lives and leads the San Francisco office.  He was also design team lead on the revitalisation of the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco.

Throughout his career, Dobbin has pursued his passion for art; creating abstract digital works exploring themes of synaesthesia, landscape, music, and memory.

About Foster + Partners

Foster + Partners is an award-winning global studio for architecture, urbanism and design, rooted in sustainability, which was founded in 1967 by Norman Foster. Since then, the practice has established an international reputation for thoughtful and pioneering design, working as a single studio that is both ethnically and culturally diverse. The studio integrates the skills of architecture with engineering, both structural and environmental, urbanism, interior and industrial design and many more. These diverse skills make Foster + Partners capable of tackling a wide range of projects, particularly those of considerable complexity and scale. Key projects include headquarters for Apple, Bloomberg and Comcast, the ‘Gherkin’ building, the Great Court at the British Museum and the Millennium Bridge in London.

The Dalmore
www.thedalmore.com
Facebook and Instagram: @thedalmore

V&A Dundee
www.vam.ac.uk/dundee
Instagram, Facebook and X: @VADundee

Foster + Partners
www.fosterandpartners.com
Instagram: @fosterandpartners
X: @FosterPartners

As Mother’s Day is here, we’re excited to share something truly special with you, and I can honestly say these are a couple of our best whiskies, especially at the price point! Both are rye whiskies, but they are aged in different casks, with one being a rye whisky fully matured in a type of cask for the first time ever!

Introducing Our New Rye Whisky Releases:

Double Oak Rye: Rum Cask Edition (46% abv.)

Experience the unique fusion of spice and sweetness with our Double Oak Rye Whisky Rum Cask Edition. This whisky blends the robust character of rye with the tropical richness imparted by rum cask aging, resulting in a smooth and complex drinking experience. Crafted from a mash bill of 100% rye grain, this whisky begins its aging process in a combination of American oak and Cowichan red wine casks, followed by a final maturation in Barbados rum casks. This unique finishing stage adds a sweet, rich depth to the whisky. The aroma greets you with warm vanilla and toasted oak, complemented by hints of tropical fruits and subtle notes of caramel and molasses. On the palate, spicy rye intertwines with creamy toffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ripe banana, creating an intricate flavor profile. The finish is long and warm, with lingering notes of oak and dark chocolate.

Whether you prefer it neat or with a splash of water, our Rum Cask Finished Rye Whisky is also perfect in classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Ideal for both connoisseurs and newcomers, this whisky offers a sophisticated blend of tradition and innovation in every sip.

Islay Cask Rye Whisky (50% abv.)

Aged entirely in an ex-Islay Scotch Whisky cask, this whisky offers a unique fusion of spicy rye and smoky Islay character. The aroma greets you with smoky peat, spicy rye, and a hint of sea salt. On the palate, enjoy a balance of herbal rye, smoky maritime notes, and subtle brine, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The finish is long, with lingering smokiness, spicy notes, and a touch of sweetness. This whisky is ideal for those who appreciate bold rye flavors and the distinctive character of Islay Scotch. As for where the cask came from, if you guessed the oldest distillery on Islay, we’d ‘beg to differ!

Available for Mother’s Day

Whether you are buying for yourself, someone else, or your mom, we know many of you and your moms enjoy a good whisky! Both expressions are perfect for toasting to the incredible mothers and mother figures in our lives. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a celebration, our new rye whiskies will elevate the occasion. Both are limited editions. We may do them again, but once these two are sold out, we don’t know when they will be back! Don’t miss your chance to add these unique expressions to your collection or to gift them to a special mom in your life.

Special Offer

To celebrate the launch, we’re offering 10% off your purchase of either whisky for a limited time! Use the code MOM10 at checkout, or purchase in-store. Sale ends Sunday May 11^th at 11:59pm!

Thank you for being a valued member of our distillery family. We can’t wait for you to try these exceptional whiskies!

Cheers to you and all the wonderful mothers out there!

Purchase Rum Cask Edition Whisky

Purchase Islay Cask Rye Whisky

Saltire Rare Malt Founders L: Nigel Heywood R: Keith Rennie

SCOTLAND’S FASTEST-GROWING WHISKY BOTTLER CELEBRATES METEORIC FIRST YEAR OF BUSINESS

 Saltire Rare Malt, based in Falkland, Fife is raising a glass to a hugely successful first year in business by launching a brand-new ‘1st Year Anniversary’ release from Linkwood Distillery, as they continue to expand their whisky business across the globe.

Saltire Rare Malt, the fastest-growing independent whisky bottler in Scotland, is raising a glass to a remarkable first year in business. Based in the picturesque village of Falkland, Fife, the company is celebrating its rapid ascent into the whisky industry by unveiling an exclusive new ‘1st Year Anniversary’ single malt release from Linkwood Distillery.

Founded just twelve months ago, Saltire Rare Malt has quickly gained international acclaim for its curated collection of exceptional Scotch whiskies and can now be found in markets across the globe. With bottles already shipped to collectors, enthusiasts and stockists across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, plus plans to launch in North America and South Africa later this year, the company has firmly cemented its place in the world of independent whisky.

Saltire Rare Malt’s ‘1st Year Anniversary’ is a special *14-year-old Linkwood from the Speyside region, 1 of only 74 bottled from a Refill American Oak Ex Bourbon Cask at 54.1% ABV priced at £113.

The Linkwood Distillery ‘1st Year Anniversary’ bottling is available to buy online at Saltire Rare Malt’s website on Friday 2nd May, along with their meticulously curated collection of ‘well-known labels’, ‘rare gems’ and casks from ‘lost distilleries’: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/

CHOOSING THE PERFECT CASK WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THEIR FRIENDS

Saltire Rare Malt’s Single Malt Scotch Whisky releases are ‘never rushed or hurried – they’re bottled when the right time arrives’. This is where they put their trust in whisky industry icons Hans & Becky Offringa –  ‘The Whisky Couple’ – who are a trusted part of the Saltire family.

Hans & Becky Offringa are well-respected judges at the Scottish Whisky Awards and the World Whiskies Awards, with over 50 years experience between them. Their incomparable guidance and advice is crucial to selecting the perfect cask for every Saltire Rare Malt release. If curators Hans & Becky disapprove of a sample, the cask will not be bottled.

Commenting on their worldwide success, Saltire Rare Malt Founder & Director Keith Rennie said; “When we started Saltire we always had a dream for it to be a worldwide success. What we didn’t realise is how fast we would achieve global acclaim. To see the reaction and excitement for Saltire Rare Malt from our partners across the world is why we work in this industry. It really is a special time for Saltire Rare Malt right now.

“Every cask is chosen with care and never hurried, to achieve the finest quality of whisky. We believe that’s why the whisky world is resonating with us and with the support of an outstanding team of whisky professionals we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Saltire Rare Malt are bottlers of a unique range of limited-run single malt whiskies. The independent bottling company was born from a longstanding partnership between friends & Founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie. The pair have worked together for three decades, before moving into the whisky world to collect fine and rare single malts.

The Saltire Rare Malt Collection is available to buy online on their website at: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/

About Saltire Rare Malt Whisky
Saltire Rare Malt are bottlers of a unique range of limited-run single malt whiskies. The independent bottling company was born from a longstanding partnership between friends & founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie – the pair have collected fine and rare single malts over three decades. A shared passion for the ‘water of life’ led to the creation of Saltire Rare Malt – a global vehicle to share their outstanding collection of Single Malt Whiskies.

W: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/
I: https://www.instagram.com/saltireraremaltwhisky
F: https://www.facebook.com/people/Saltire-Rare-Malt-Whisky/61554723364117/

About The Whisky Couple, Hans & Becky Offringa:

Hans Offringa is an international author and whisky expert who has worked in the industry for over 30 years. An inductee of the Whisky Hall of Fame, a Kentucky Colonel and a Keeper of the Quaich, Hans is a judge at the Scottish Whiskies Awards and the World Whisky Awards and serves as Director on the Advisory Board of The Council of Whiskey Masters.

Becky Lovett Offringa is a Keeper of the Quaich and co-author of numerous whisky books. Becky is a well-respected judge at the Scottish Whisky Awards and the World Whiskies Awards. She also is a Member on the Advisory Board of the Council of Whiskey Masters. Becky and Hans, internationally known as ‘The Whisky Couple’, are trusted partners of the Saltire family.

*Saltire Rare Malt; Linkwood – 1st Year Anniversary 

Tasting notes; “A beautiful nose. This is what you want from a Linkwood, nice, sweet and fruity, think strawberry candies as a top note. Then cigar boxes and sugar-coated oranges with cotton candy. The ruby port wine vintage barrique added extra layers of fruit upon fruit. Simply a lovely, fruity dram with a smooth but full body.” 

Price: £113

Bottled at: 54.1% ABV. 

Filling date: 10-2-2011

Region: Speyside 

Release date: May 2025 

Buy Here 

Timorous Beastie

Cheese Cellar Collection: Finished in Moscatel Casks

Indulge in the third and final limited edition of Timorous Beastie’s Cheese Cellar Collection. This latest release sees Douglas Laing’s Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky expertly finished in White and Purple Moscatel casks. Featuring Strathearn Single Casks and bottled without colouring or chill-filtration, this exclusive release of only 4,200 bottles worldwide offers a unique flavour journey that seamlessly combines the spirit of the Scottish Highlands with the rich influence of Spain’s sun-kissed vineyards.

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Speyside

Scallywag 13 Years Old

ABV: 46% | Vol: 70cl

Experience the exceptional refinement of Scallywag 13 Years Old, the latest release in our Signature Series, available exclusively on douglaslaing.com. This extraordinary expression has been expertly crafted and matured for 13 years in the finest Spanish Sherry Oak Casks, delivering a rich and indulgent flavour profile that embodies the true spirit of Scallywag.

Inspired by a long line of Douglas Laing family Fox Terriers, Scallywag Malt Scotch Whisky is a marriage of aged Speyside Single Malts matured predominantly in Spanish Sherry casks. The resulting Whisky reveals an explosion of rich, dark fruits, chocolate and spice interwoven with late vanilla. Award-winning Scallywag is bottled and released in genuinely small, precious batches. Part of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.

Bushmills 10 Year Old

Bushmills 10 Year Old is an Irish single malt whiskey, triple distilled from 100% malted barley and matured for at least 10 years in sherry and bourbon seasoned barrels. An award-winning staple, this is delightful dram when served neat; add in an ice cube or two for the perfect summertime whiskey!

£40.00

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Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

The Good Dram Show – Episode 591 ‘Fettercairn’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be looking at a selection of Fettercairn releases. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum. Episode 591 – How To Train Your Beast..!  Filmed in The Study Nottingham.

Featuring

Hunter Laing Hepburn’s Choice Fettercairn 2008 (6 year old) 46%
Hunter Laing Distillers Art Fettercairn 2002 (14 year old) 48%
https://hunterlaing.com

Carn Mor Strictly Limited Fettercairn 2009 (7 year old) 46%
htps://www.carnmorwhisky.co.uk

Douglas McGibbon Provenance Fettercairn 2005 (10 year old) 46%
Douglas McGibbon Provenance Fettercairn 2003 (11 year old) 46%
https://www.douglaslaing.com

Fettercairn 16 year old 3rd Release 2022 46.4%
https://www.fettercairnwhisky.com/en-gb/