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

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 

Introducing Star Hill Farm Whisky From The Maker’s Mark Distillery

First new mashbill and first wheat whisky in its 70-year history, Maker’s Mark continues its leadership in sustainability and advances regenerative agriculture  

LORETTO, KY., – Maker’s Mark® today announced the debut of Star Hill Farm Whisky, the distillery’s first new mashbill and first wheat whisky, celebrating the role regenerative agriculture plays in creating healthier soil, better flavor and a more sustainable future. The annual release will be available in the United States and the United Kingdom beginning in mid-May and in Australia later in 2025. With its launch, Maker’s Mark is scaling its sustainability efforts by establishing The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance and has committed to transitioning a million acres of conventional farmland to regenerative over the next three years.

“Guided by our founders’ pursuit of excellence and a higher purpose, we are proud to share Star Hill Farm Whisky with the world — a 10-year journey to unlock nature’s depth of flavor, resulting in something new from the Maker’s Mark Distillery,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and managing director, Maker’s Mark. “The launch of Star Hill Farm Whisky will expand our platform to advance regenerative agriculture beyond our business, fostering a more sustainable future for our industry, people and planet.”

While Maker’s Mark has used the same mashbill for over 70 years to create a balanced and consistent bourbon, Star Hill Farm Whisky will evolve each year, exploring flavors that soil, wheat, water and wood impart to quality ingredients when expertly blended, aged and grown regeneratively. The inaugural release will highlight soft red winter wheat — the distinctive grain in Maker’s Mark’s mashbill — and will remove corn entirely, allowing the wheat to shine. The 2025 release of Star Hill Farm Whisky is crafted from two mashbills: one with 70% soft red winter wheat and 30% malted barley, and the other with 100% malted soft red winter wheat.

“We’re proud to introduce the first wheat whisky in our distillery’s history, one that showcases our vision and innovation and honors the land that makes it all possible,” said Dr. Blake Layfield, master distiller, Maker’s Mark. “This release is a complex yet balanced blend of seven- and eight-year whiskies, bottled uncut at cask strength. The nose captivates with notes of buttery caramel, golden raisins and gingerbread. On the palate, you’ll find a soft, bright mix of honeyed toffee, chocolate-covered cherries, and a hint of apple pie spice. The finish is smooth and inviting, with toasted pecans and soft cinnamon bringing it all together.”

Partnering to Advance Regenerative Agriculture

Star Hill Farm Whisky is named after the 1,100-acre farm that is home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery, chosen by its founders, Margie and Bill Samuels Sr., in 1953 for its unique water source and proximity to grain growers. Maker’s Mark still owns, protects and enriches its watershed and land. Today, Maker’s Mark is the first and only bourbon distillery to achieve B Corp Certification in Kentucky and the first distillery globally to achieve certification from Regenified, the leading regenerative certification company.

With the launch of Star Hill Farm Whisky, Maker’s Mark has formed an alliance with Regenified and Understanding Ag, which provides education and technical support to build healthy farm ecosystems. The Maker’s Mark Regenerative Alliance will invite farms, bars and restaurants —starting in New York, Kentucky and greater London — to join its mission: pledging to adopt regenerative practices in sourcing and operations, while promoting its benefits through menu storytelling and consumer engagement.

Star Hill Farm Whisky will be the first to carry an Estate Whiskey certification — a new designation by The Estate Whiskey Alliance™ group established by the University of Kentucky to highlight the advantages of local sourcing and sustainable production in the whiskey industry. Estate whiskey refers to a category that is produced entirely on the distillery estate, using grains sourced from estate owned or controlled land.

With an ABV of 57.35% (114.7 proof), the Star Hill Farm Whisky 2025 Release will have a suggested retail price of USD $100. In the United States, the limited release will be available at select retailers nationwide and available for purchase at the Maker’s Mark Distillery by booking a Star Hill Farm Whisky experience at https://www.makersmark.com//distillery/visit-us.

For more information, please visit www.starhillfarm.com and www.makersmark.com.

ABOUT MAKER’S MARK

Maker’s Mark® is the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon driven by a vision for better flavor and a better world. Maker’s Mark began with the innovative spirit of Margie and Bill Samuels, Sr., who in 1953, fulfilled their dream to create a delicious bourbon without the bite, using soft red winter wheat instead of rye to enhance the softness, sweetness and signature creaminess. Highly desired around the world, Maker’s Mark is handmade, hand-dipped in our signature red wax, and every barrel continues to be rotated by hand and is aged to taste not time.

Always true to the founders’ vision, Maker’s Mark continues to shape the brand’s future through purposeful, flavor-driven innovation. In recent years, the brand has introduced thoughtful, super-premium expressions to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, and Maker’s Mark Cellar-Aged, all Double Gold winners of the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as Maker’s Mark Private Selection: the brand’s custom barrel program.

Advancing its mission to cultivate bourbon that betters the world, while crafting the most flavorful product possible for consumers, Maker’s Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified Certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication to sustainable agriculture practices at Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark Distillery. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

Bowmore & Aston Martin Unveil Bowmore ARC-54

• Designed by Aston Martin and featuring one of the oldest Bowmore whiskies.
• Bowmore ARC-54; the pinnacle, and final release in the groundbreaking ARC Series

Bowmore® and Aston Martin have unveiled the second, and final, release in their groundbreaking ARC Series, Bowmore ARC-54. A pinnacle in the story of the partnership, this striking creation unites a truly rare 54-year-old whisky from Bowmore distillery with a remarkable handblown decanter inspired by the cutting-edge design of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar.

Distilled in November 1968, this rare and remarkable spirit pays homage to the fact that our single malt excels with time in cask, aging like no other to capture the definitive multi-dimensional character of Bowmore. This whisky is the culmination of 54 years of maturation, latterly spent in a 2nd Fill European Oak Sherry Butt and 3rd Fill American Oak Hogshead within the hallowed walls of the No.1 Vaults. Inspired by the Golden Ratio with 61.8% European Oak aged spirit and 38.2% American Oak aged spirit, before the two parts united for 15 months. The resulting whisky encapsulates infinite layers of flavour to captivate every sense, fully immersing the drinker in the depth of character.

Each handblown decanter takes inspiration from the F1-inspired aerodynamic exterior of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar, including the full-length venturi tunnels that contribute to in the region of 1,100 kg of downforce, and the natural fluid forms of the terroir of Islay. Emanating from the design direction and principles of an Aston Martin, Bowmore ARC-54 is sculpted with precision, creating a striking sense of flow in its lines and styling.  The shape is defined by these fluid aerodynamics and showcase the shared philosophy through the diffuser inspired glass sculpture to enhance the flowing reflections of the whisky within.

Speaking on the new Bowmore ARC-54 release, Dr. Calum Fraser, Chief Blender, Bowmore said,

“A Bowmore as exquisite and complex as this 54-year-old is a testament to the skills of our distillery team, but also the very embodiment of what can be achieved simply by slowing down, standing still and letting things unfold as they are destined to. This rare creation truly demonstrates just how Bowmore ages exceptionally over time, with unmatched precision and clarity. As guardians of this spirit, we strive to harness the power of the past in every drop that we create – whilst constantly reimagining Bowmore for the next generation that will experience our whiskies.”

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin comments:

“Bowmore ARC-54 continues the cutting edge, technology-based collaboration between two exceptional brands that are steeped in heritage and tradition. It embodies the innovative thinking that we apply to Valkyrie and Valhalla, our mid-engined sports cars.  Both of these cars push the boundaries ARC-54 decanter, similar principles of materiality and fluid dynamics are employed, replacing air flow for liquid movement to create a uniquely formed shape generated by the pure movement of Bowmore whisky. A truly creative collaboration.”

With only 130 decanters available globally, Bowmore ARC-54 is a multi-dimensional flavour experience. Zesty citric tones and delicate floral notes flow together with salty caramel sweetness, spiced ginger and cinnamon – with a signature whisper of peat smoke. Housed in an individually handmade decanter that reflects the two brands’ shared mindset when it comes to craftsmanship, the streamlined bottle design takes inspiration from both the flow of air underneath the iconic Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar, and the natural fluid forms of the landscapes and terroir of Islay.

Bowmore ARC-54 will be available from selected stockists worldwide as of April 3rd, 2025.
Price available on request.

Tasting notes 
ON THE EYE: Spun gold

BREATHE IN: Alluring sweet, syrupy vanilla merges with soft butterscotch and buttery shortbread, then gives way to tropical mango and sweet peach notes, before welcoming subtle hints of orange zest, toasted oak, candied walnuts and finely chopped eucalyptus mint.

TASTE: Led by rich fruity sweetness giving a depth of expressive character, it is freshly cut green apple, delicate citric tones of bergamot orange and lime juice that provide the opening act to taste. Flavours of salted caramel are complimented by floral notes as warming spices of ginger and sweet cinnamon lead to a gentle crescendo of whispering peat smoke.

SAVOUR: Intense yet lavish, long and smooth with sweet, herbal and peated character.

ABOUT BOWMORE®
For over 240 years, Bowmore distillery has stood on the shores of Lochindaal. Here facing the wild Atlantic Ocean, is home to the legendary No.1 Vaults and the mysterious alchemy within. We are more than an Islay distillery. We are the oldest distillery here.

Since 1779, we’ve been harnessing time in the creation of our exceptional Bowmore whiskies. This time has enabled us to hone our skills and make intentional choices. This means at Bowmore we can unlock the depth and breadth of multidimensional character.

From the careful and intentional ethos at the heart of the Bowmore distillery, every step and stage of the process is considered. We put flavour first. From floor maltings and peat smoke drying, to the long fermentation and slow distillation. The result of this precise and measured approach can be seen in the distinct flavours that Bowmore is famous for.  A truly multidimensional whisky always promising more layers of flavour.

Every bottle of Bowmore celebrates our ability to mature with excellence, aging like no other to capture the definitive expressive character of Bowmore.  Over time, our spirit evolves perfectly in cask, creating an enviable inventory of maturing stock and enabling an iconic archive of releases.
Our signature; a remarkably expressive character.  We are defined by rich and fruity flavours with a smouldering complexity. Each sip of Bowmore is truly captivating. It beckons you, holding your full attention, pulling you into the present moment. This is the uniquely mesmerising magic which always reveals more, in every moment, in every sip. From flavour to flair, there is always more in the glass and in the moment.
www.bowmore.com

About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.

ABOUT SOPHIA THAKUR
Sophia Thakur is an award-winning spoken word artist, author, songwriter and musician. Described by the BBC as ‘The Poet of this Generation’ and by Vogue as ‘One of the most adored poets of our time,’ she was also featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list as a trailblazer in her craft. The spoken word artist climbed onto the stage at the age of 16 with a refreshing and intimate take on traditional poetry and has sold out multiple solo headline shows at The Jazz Cafe, Bush Hall, Omeara, The Lower Third, The Rockefeller Centre and iconic venues in Africa and Europe. She has also been invited to play stages and stations around the world, most notably; Glastonbury, The Royal Albert Hall, Sky TV, BBC and the TEDx stage, twice.

Sophia is a storyteller from every angle. Her BBC documentary rose to public acclaim for revising how documentaries are usually approached, whilst introducing a new poetic way of educating through art.

Successfully bridging the gap between poetry and the modern world, she has forged global partnerships with brands such as Tiffany & Co., Calvin Klein and Nike, among others. Sophia is the author of three books Wearing My Mother’s Heart, Superheroes and Somebody Give This Heart a Pen, a #1 bestseller.

Sazerac Company Proudly Introduces Hawk’s Rock Distillery 

Steeped in the natural beauty of County Sligo, Ireland, Hawk’s Rock represents the rebranding of Lough Gill Distillery, which was acquired by the spirits leader in 2022 

County Sligo, Ireland (April 23, 2025) – Leading global spirits company Sazerac, which owns and operates award-winning distilleries and homeplaces worldwide including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; and Paul John Distillery in Goa, India, is proud to announce the renaming of its recently-acquired Irish Whiskey Distillery to Hawk’s Rock Distillery. Formerly known as Lough Gill Distillery, Hawk’s Rock will continue to produce and age Irish Whiskey under the watchful eye of Master Blender Helen Mulholland on the over 100-acre site located in County Sligo, Ireland, which includes the nationally listed historic landmark Hazelwood House.

The name change reflects Sazerac Company’s vision for the future of Irish Whiskey – the art and science of blending, innovation and respect for Sligo’s rich heritage. Named after a prominent outcrop in the Ox Mountains that inspired Nobel Prize winning poet William Butler (W.B.) Yeats’ play “At the Hawk’s Well”, Hawk’s Rock Distillery aims to become a global hub for Irish Whiskey, while offering a gateway to explore the rich traditions of Sligo and the surrounding region.

“The renaming of Hawk’s Rock Distillery marks a new, yet familiar, frontier for us,” says Sazerac President and CEO Jake Wenz. “Sazerac is known for its balanced approach to honoring tradition while embracing change in constant pursuit of crafting the world’s best spirits at our distilleries in America, India, Canada and France.  Our mission holds true for Ireland, and we are excited to reveal how we are blending time-honored traditions with bold innovation to advance the art of Irish whiskey-making.”

Leading the Hawk’s Rock distillation team as Master Blender is Helen Mulholland, the first female Master Blender in Irish Whiskey history, Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association and a Whisky Hall of Fame inductee. She and her carefully-selected team have been entrusted with leading the creation and blending of Hawk’s Rock’s innovative new-to-world Irish whiskey brands, the first of which will debut in June 2025.

Sazerac Company acquired Lough Gill Distillery in 2022, drawn by its historical significance and the cultural richness of Ireland. Since then, the team has upgraded and tripled its warehouse capacity, expanded production and is modernizing the distillery, ensuring continued growth while maintaining its commitment to quality.

“This rebrand is just the beginning for Hawk’s Rock Distillery,” says Wenz. “Throughout the changes at Hawk’s Rock, our vision remains the same – creating a track record for the aging and blending of award-winning whiskeys – and this name change brings us one step closer to bringing that vision to life.”

While Hawk’s Rock Distillery is closed to the public during renovations, Sazerac has received planning permission to develop a future visitor experience in Sligo.

For more information, please visit www.hawksrockdistillery.com.

About Sazerac

With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers and communities around the world. Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more. Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Hawk’s Rock Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few. To learn more visit www.sazerac.com.

Timorous Beastie Highland Malt launches Final Bottling within its ‘Cheese Cellar’ Collection with the release of a Moscatel Finish Limited Edition.

Douglas Laing & Co. today proudly announces the third and final release in their Timorous Beastie ‘Cheese Cellar’ Collection. This innovative series has seen the award-winning Highland Malt undergo a range of carefully selected cask finishes, each chosen to craft the ultimate Whisky to complement artisan cheeses.

This final edition has been meticulously finished in White and Purple Moscatel casks, “imparting an exceptional depth of flavour to the spirit”. The result is said to be an exquisite expression, with tasting notes described as:

“Nose: A sweet spiciness on the nose gives way to dried fruits, caramel, and fresh orange peel.
Palate: The thick palate bursts with creamy malt and cereals, balanced by tangy marmalade and honeysuckle.
Finish: The sweet finish lingers on—anticipate orange blossom, a hint of spice, and apricot.”

To enhance the Whisky’s rich and complex profile, the ideal cheese pairing is Goat’s Cheese. The soft, tangy, and creamy characteristics of the Goat’s Cheese are said to “beautifully complement the Whisky’s sweet, fruity, and floral notes, creating a perfect harmony of flavour and texture.”

Housed in the signature tall black bottle of the Cheese Cellar Collection, this final release features the beloved Timorous Beastie mouse in a striking blue colourway, complemented by premium gold foil detailing and a deep blue wax dip seal. A foiled neck tag provides further insight into the expression’s tasting notes and its place in the series.

Bottled at 48% ABV and without colouring or chill-filtration, this whisky remains true to the Douglas Laing family philosophy of offering Scotch Whisky “as natural as it gets.

Scott Morrison, Senior Brand Manager, commented:

“With this final release in the Cheese Cellar Collection, we complete a journey of flavour exploration that Whisky and cheese lovers alike have embraced. The influence of the White and Purple Moscatel casks brings a refined sweetness and floral elegance, making this expression a fitting conclusion to the series.”

Strictly limited to just 4,200 bottles globally, Timorous Beastie ‘Moscatel Edition’ is expected to retail at £60.00 / €70.00. This final release marks the culmination of an exciting chapter for Timorous Beastie, celebrating the perfect marriage of Whisky and cheese in an exceptional collection.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards are a testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular, Xtra Old Particular, and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Raise a Dram to Dad: Tomatin Distillery Unveils the Ultimate Father’s Day Whisky Gift Guide

Highland distiller Tomatin has recommended the perfect dram for every kind of dad ahead of Father’s Day (Sunday 15 June) – whether he’s a seasoned connoisseur, a thrill-seeking adventurer or a vintage soul who savours the classics.

With a carefully curated selection of single malts – including the richly indulgent 12 Year Old Sherry Cask, the bold and approachable Double Cask, and the luxurious 18 Year Old – Tomatin invites whisky lovers to celebrate what truly matters: time well spent together.

Crafted with care in the Scottish Highlands, each expression embodies Tomatin’s commitment to tradition, flavour and the enduring spirit of community.

For the thrill-seeking dad – Tomatin Double Cask

RRP £37 | ABV 40% | 70cl

Adventurous, open-minded and always up for something new, Tomatin Double Cask is the go-to gift for dads who embrace life with arms wide open. Matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, it’s bold, balanced and full of personality – the perfect companion for dads who prefer the scenic route, whether hiking through the Highlands or tackling new taste frontiers.

Available from Tesco and Amazon.

For the retro dad – Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask

RRP £50 | ABV 40% | 70cl

For the dad who loves old-school charm and enduring quality, Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is a classic reborn. Fully matured in sherry casks for 12 years, it delivers a nostalgic richness with modern flair. Think warm memories, Sunday roasts, and tales of “how it used to be” – this dram is as comforting and characterful as the man himself.

Available at https://tomatin.com/shop and specialist whisky retailers.

For the connoisseur dad – Tomatin 18 Year Old

RRP £126 | ABV 46% | 70cl

Tomatin 18 Year Old is a dram for those who know – and love – their whisky. Rich, complex and award-winning, this expression is matured in traditional oak and first fill Oloroso sherry butts, delivering a depth and sophistication that make it the jewel of Tomatin’s core range. Ideal for dads with refined taste, an appreciation for the finer things, and a whisky shelf worth showing off.

Available at https://tomatin.com/shop and specialist whisky retailers.

For more Father’s Day inspiration, visit https://tomatin.com.

Tasting notes 

Tomatin Double Cask tasting notes 

Nose: Aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears lead. 

Palate: Dark fruit flavours, gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon.

Finish: Sweet and spicy.

Tomatin 12 Year Old Sherry Cask 

Nose: Caramelised apple, pear, sultana, orange peel, apricot and hints of aged leather.

Palate: Chocolate fudge, manuka honey, dried fruit and nut.

Finish: Cinnamon spice.

Tomatin 18 Year Old 

Nose: VORS Oloroso Sherry; dried apricot, plum, nougat and distinctive nutty tones. Sweet notes of vanilla fudge and cinnamon baked pears are balanced with a faint suggestion of cigar box and leather-bound books.

Palate: A wonderful marriage of Oloroso Sherry and well-aged Tomatin provides bursts of tropical fruit and mellow savoury notes. Incredibly complex with marmalade, cooked apple, butterscotch and granola, cocoa powder and salted caramel all coming through.

Finish: Full bodied and rich with continued nutty undertones and uplifting orange zest lingering on the palate.

Notes

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin’s success continued when the distillery’s ‘Legacy’ was awarded Gold at IWSC. That same year, Tomatin also took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

At the 2024 IWSC Awards, Tomatin Legacy was awarded the IWSC Trophy for no age statement single malt Scotch, demonstrating its exceptional quality as best in class.

This year, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.

‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

LOST LANTERN LAUNCHES MONTHLY DISCOVERY CLUB TO SHOWCASE RISING STARS OF AMERICAN WHISKEY

Members-Only Exclusive Bottlings, Insider Access, and More

Vergennes, VT (May 1, 2025)— Lost Lantern, an award-winning independent bottler known for highlighting innovative and noteworthy whiskies from distilleries across the United States, is delighted to announce the launch of the Lost Lantern Discovery Club, a subscription-based monthly whiskey club designed to help whiskey lovers discover emerging stars and hidden gems in American whiskey.

Every month, Discovery Club members will receive a new, never-before-released Lost Lantern bottling from a rising star or lesser-known distillery that is breaking new ground in the whiskey world. Members will experience firsthand the innovation and diversity shaping American whiskey today. These bottles will be exclusive to Discovery Club members and will not be released any other way.

“Our goal with the Discovery Club is to share our journey of exploration with whiskey enthusiasts,” says Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern Co-Founder and Head of Whiskey Sourcing. “I visit every distillery we work with, and I’m constantly discovering exceptional whiskies from innovative distilleries all across the country. The Discovery Club is our way of sharing these whiskies and these stories directly with passionate whiskey drinkers.”

Membership Details:

• Monthly membership is $90 plus shipping
• Signup bottle shipped upon Discovery Club purchase
• Members receive a new 750ml Discovery Club release every month
• Discovery Club releases are exclusively available to members
• Behind-the-scenes stories and insights into featured distilleries
• Invitations to exclusive events, virtual tastings, and conversations with partner distilleries hosted by Adam Polonski
• Early access to all new Lost Lantern releases
• Access to Discovery Club library bottlings

Beginning May 1, visit the Lost Lantern website to sign up for membership. The initial signup bottle and first monthly release will feature whiskies from two of Lost Lantern’s most sought-after partners. The following 12 monthly releases will come from distilleries Lost Lantern has never previously collaborated with, many of which are only available in one or two states. Club releases will span a wide range of American whiskey styles, with about half being bourbons.

Members (limited initially to a maximum of 180 people) will also benefit from flexible account management options, including the ability to add additional bottles from the Lost Lantern shop, delay or skip shipments, or pause and cancel their subscription at any time. The Club will be available to customers in states where Lost Lantern can ship through its website, as well as at the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vermont.

The Discovery Club underscores Lost Lantern’s commitment to transparency, quality, and exploration, offering a unique opportunity to explore the breadth of American whiskey’s evolving landscape.

For more information or to sign up, visit HERE .

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, VT. The brand has been honored as Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, and founders Nora and Adam were both named to Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40 list for 2025 and named to SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators of the Year. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies from across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency. Lost Lantern has now released whiskey from more than three dozen distilleries in over 20 states.

For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, to visit the tasting room, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com. Engage with Lost Lantern Whiskey on Instagram and Facebook: @lostlanternwhiskey.

Dhavall Gandhi redefines Whisky Maturation for India:

 Introducing SOLARES Cask

Visionary Whiskymaker and maturation expert Dhavall Gandhi has revealed a breakthrough whisky cask designed for Indian* climates, in exclusive collaboration with José y Miguel Martín, Spanish cooperage and wine makers.

SOLARES has been designed to help Indian* distilleries scale without compromising on flavour consistency or quality, SOLARES also delivers significant efficiencies to the maturation process – solving one of the whisky industry’s most pressing challenges. 

Challenge & Opportunity

Dhavall Gandhi said: “Whisky maturation has traditionally been shaped by the cooler climates of Scotland and Ireland. But in tropical regions like India, accelerated extraction due to higher temperatures often results in imbalance – and the unreliable quality of available casks frequently leads to batch-to-batch inconsistency. Our SOLARES cask changes that narrative.”

“It’s not just about maturation – it’s about creating the foundation for scalable growth, without compromising on quality or consistency.”

Through proprietary transformation and seasoning techniques, each 225L ex-wine barrique – sourced from Rioja and Ribera del Duero – is precisely adapted to deliver balance, depth, and consistency, redefining the next frontier of tropical whisky maturation. 

Three Distinct Variants 

SOLARES casks are offered in three distinct styles, giving distillers the ability to shape their house character with precision and reliability:

1. DULCE – Rich & sweet.
2. MEDIO – Balanced.
3. SECO – Dry & complex. 

Sustainability, research and testing

SOLARES is not just about innovation – it’s about creating a more sustainable future for whisky production.

By transforming ex-wine casks instead of relying on new oak, SOLARES actively reduces deforestation, minimizes waste, and lowers the carbon footprint of cask production.

At its core, SOLARES is built on circular design:

• Repurposed casks – Eliminate the need for fresh oak harvesting.
• 100% renewable energy – All operations are powered by sustainable sources, resulting in a low environmental impact.

This innovation is backed by years of research and refinement in Puerto de Santa María, Spain. SOLARES casks are now actively used by Indian whisky producers, demonstrating exceptional performance, structural integrity, and cost efficiency in real-world production.

Additionally, SOLARES has been successfully integrated into the maturation of rum, and other tropical spirits, proving its versatility and consistency across categories.

Scalability

Through direct winery partnerships and large-scale sourcing, SOLARES delivers consistent, scalable quality—solving a critical challenge for Indian distilleries: inconsistent supply and variable quality that disrupt production planning and cause batch variability.

Casks are sourced in large batches directly from the wineries, creating a vertically integrated supply chain that ensures reliable, high-quality inventory. These casks undergo transformation within a strict timeframe, resulting in a cleaner, more refined spirit through a rapid, controlled process.

The Visionary Behind SOLARES

Dhavall Gandhi is one of the most sought-after strategic advisors in the world of luxury whisky, trusted by promoter-led businesses, family-owned enterprises, and established whisky houses. With deep expertise in whisky maturation and portfolio architecture, he guides boards and leadership teams in defining the direction, positioning, and long-term vision of their whisky brands.

Formerly the Whiskymaker for The Macallan, Dhavall became the global authority on Sherry casks, transforming The Lakes Distillery with a visionary, Sherry-led house style and groundbreaking production techniques. His advisory firm, DHAVALL GANDHI, is considered the “haute couture” of the whisky world, offering bespoke strategic direction to family-owned businesses, established distilleries, and emerging luxury whisky brands around the world. 

Availability

SOLARES is available exclusively through José y Miguel Martín, S.L. (Spanish coopers and wine makers). For further information, contact Dhavall Gandhi Limited. (solares@dhavallgandhi.com).

LinkedIn: (13) Dhavall Gandhi | LinkedIn

ITG: @dhavall_gandhi

*as well as distilleries located in warmer climates