New Diploma Dates for 2026

We’re delighted that our flagship in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky will return to the stunning Arniston House for three dates in 2026:

📅 16 & 17 March
📅 7 & 8 May
📅 14 & 15 September

Tailored for both industry professionals and passionate enthusiasts, this two-day immersive course combines online prep modules with in-person teaching by Vic Cameron, a whisky veteran with 30+ years of experience (and stories!). You’ll deep-dive into production, sensory analysis and world whiskies, explore a working distillery and take on the final 250-question challenge to earn your SQA-certified Diploma and that well-earned black lapel pin.

 📖 Book Now

Remarkable Regional Malts With A Twist

ABV: 48% | Vol: 70cl

The “Remarkable Regional Malts – With A Twist” bottling encompasses Single Malts from all of Scotland’s Whisky producing regions, representing the various brands in the range. Aged for 10 years, bottled at 48% alcohol strength and offered without colouring or chill-filtration, the resulting Whisky reflects the very best of Scotch Malt Whiskies.

Read More

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Spring 2025 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 2025) – Heaven Hill Distillery have announced the release of the Spring 2025 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series, a 9-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Comprised of barrels produced in the spring of 2016, and bottled in the spring of 2025, the fifteenth national release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the spring edition bares a green label, consistent across each of the brand’s spring releases. This edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series Spring 2025 edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis, reaching store shelves in the coming weeks. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. The edition is available at a suggested retail price of $129.99.

This release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bares a bright copper color, with a nose of apple pie, especially the crust. The taste leads with classic bourbon notes of vanilla and butterscotch, followed by toasted cereal with apple pie spices. Its finish is creamy and viscous, baked apples fading to oak and more cinnamon spices.

“With each release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series, we aim to honor both the tradition and craftsmanship that define this storied label,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill. “This 9-year-old Spring 2025 edition showcases the richness of time. It’s a proud reflection of the bottled-in-bond legacy and Heaven Hill’s enduring commitment to excellence in American whiskey.”

As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class which showcases the authenticity and quality of the company’s American Whiskey portfolio. The legendary Old Fitzgerald line, which was acquired by Heaven Hill in 1999, is well known for its distilling pedigree and its history as a luxury brand first sold in the finest rail lines and steamships. The packaging was inspired by an original 1950’s Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter and pays homage to the history of the brand being traditionally bottled in artistic decanters of all shapes and sizes. The green label features the time-honored graphic of a key, commemorating an important element in original labels and the brand’s slogan since the 1940’s, “Your key to hospitality”.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

The Dalmore Announces New Partnership with the British Council Ahead of

19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia

The Dalmore Single Malt Whisky is proud to announce a prestigious new partnership with the British Council, as they become Supporting Partner of the British Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in 2025. This new collaboration cements The Dalmore’s ongoing commitment to the art and design industry, as exemplified by its celebrated Luminary Series.

The Luminary Series is a three-part collection of limited-edition whiskies, co-created by renowned talents from the worlds of whisky making and architectural design. Established in a purpose-led partnership with V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum, the Luminary Series unites The Dalmore’s master whisky makers and leading architectural talent, to co-create unique and exceptionally rare Single Malt whiskies and sculptural designs.

The Dalmore is furthering their support of the global design and architecture community by becoming Supporting Partner of the British Council and the British Pavilion at the world-renowned Biennale in Venice. This not only aligns with the overarching Luminary Series, but specifically with the launch of the third chapter – Luminary No.3 2025 Edition – which will take place in Venice, ahead of the Biennale.

Occurring every other year in Venice, Italy, the Biennale is the renowned international exhibition of architecture with a central exhibition Pavilion, as well as 29 other National Pavilions, each presenting a national showcase. The exhibition showcases architectural solutions to contemporary social, technological and humanistic issues and has played host to some of the world’s foremost architectural talent, including the firms of previous Luminary collaborators, Kengo Kuma Associates and Zaha Hadid Architects.

The British Pavilion, led by the British Council, is dedicated to showcasing the best of UK contemporary architecture and design. For 2025, the British Pavilion is curated by Cave-bureau co-founders Kabage Karanja and Stella Mutegi, alongside Owen Hopkins and Professor Kathryn Yusoff, and explores Architecture as an Earth Practice.

While this is The Dalmore’s debut as an official Supporting Partner, the Highland Single Malt Whisky has previously supported the vernissages for the British Pavilion in 2023 and at the International Arte Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia last year. 

Ahead of the official opening of the Biennale, The Dalmore will unveil The Luminary Series No.3 2025 Edition in Venice, revealing the collaborator, whiskies and sculpture at an intimate launch event.

Steven Pearson, Chief Marketing Officer, The Dalmore said:

“This partnership perfectly aligns with the aims of The Dalmore and The Luminary Series. Supporting the British Council and British Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale allows us to further our commitment to support pioneering talent and creativity. The British Council’s ethos of cross-cultural collaboration is mirrored in our own approach to whisky making and our sponsorship represents a shared commitment to shine a light and support creative talents.”

“The British Pavilion has always been a platform for showcasing the boldest and most thought-provoking ideas in contemporary architecture, design and art. This year, with the support of The Dalmore, we are able to expand our vision and bring new perspectives to the global stage. Together, we are championing cross-disciplinary collaboration and the power of design to shape a better future,” said Sevra Davis, Director of Architecture, Design and Fashion at the British Council and Commissioner of the British Pavilion.

About The Dalmore

The Dalmore is a supporting partner of the British Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2025.

Founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore has been making masterpieces of Single Malt 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.

The Dalmore is a keen and active supporter of the creative industry, as demonstrated by The Luminary Series and The Portfolio Series, where the worlds of design and whisky making artistry combine, resulting in exceptional collaborations.

www.thedalmore.com for more.

The Dalmore
www.thedalmore.com
Facebook & Instagram @thedalmore

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

Now. You know we have always focused on trying to create events we would want to go to. All whilst making a space for the whisky curious, so the water of life can be accessible and interesting to everyone.

And you know that we specialise in exposing and nurturing new whiskies, at our events, and the only place you can buy these often new or niche liquids is at our festivals. A fleeting opportunity some might say.

So we have decided it is time to ‘join the dots’…

To that end we are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have created our own TWL online shop, so you can ‘shop the show’ all year round! This features brands and bottlers, that you’ll see at our shows, plus we have exciting plans for ‘TWL Exclusive’ bottlings. We hope you’ll agree this is a worthy endeavour and we really appreciate your ongoing support and future custom as always.

You can explore the online shop by simply clicking the button below. It is a work in progress so you will see it evolve before your very eyes…

Explore the TWL Shop

All of this does mean that you will hear from us more regularly, with updates on new bottlings and ranges. However, we will never litter your inbox on a daily, or even weekly basis, and hopefully you’ll still find what you read to be relevant to you!

We are also delighted to introduce Tom, who you may have seen at recent shows, running the festival shop. He will run our in person and online retail operation, as well as tastings in the North-West…

Speaking of tastings…

TWL WHISKY TASTINGS are BACK! 🎉

And not just anywhere – we’re bringing the good stuff to Manchester, Newcastle, and York, to begin with. Starting this June, we’re relaunching our much-loved regular tastings, and trust us, you won’t want to miss what we’ve got lined up.

Kicking things off with a bang…
We’re teaming up with the fantastic folks at Rare Find (Gleann Mor) for our comeback tour. They’ll be guiding us through their latest releases – and yep, it’s as tasty as it sounds:

🥃 Dailuaine 16yo finished in a Foursquare rum cask
🍷 Glen Garioch 16yo with a Ribera del Duero twist
🍇 Glen Ord 10yo aged in Châteauneuf-du-Pape casks (fancy, eh?)
🥴 A cheeky Secret Lowland 11yo from a rich sherry cask
💛 And a crowd-pleaser: the legendary Aultmore 14yo

First stop:
Manchester – 7th June 2025
The Seven Oaks
Manchester
M1 4HL
7pm-8.30pm

Mark it down, clear your diary, grab your tasting buddies. This is going to be a cracker of an evening – great drams, chilled vibes, and plenty of whisky chat. We’ll be announcing the Newcastle and York dates very soon, so keep your eyes on your inbox (and maybe start planning a road trip?). Ready to join us for a dram or five? Oh, and there’s a £5 off voucher for any purchases on the night for every ticket holder…

Click on the button below to book your spots!

Buy Manchester Tasting Tickets Now!

And if that wasn’t enough for you…

Hot on the heels of this years event, which most would agree was probably the best ever, we are releasing the first Early-Birds for next year’s show. Dets:

Newcastle Whisky Festival 2026
Saturday, March 28th
Civic Centre
Barras Bridge
Newcastle Upon Tyne

Early-birds are the same as last year, so if you want the best deal, buy now!

Buy Newcastle Festival Tickets

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the following festivals, coming up this year too…

Sláinte,

Eddie, Amanda and Tom
The Whisky Lounge Team

The Chairman’s Choice

Fred Laing’s Whisky Recommendations

We’ve explored the Douglas Laing family archives to bring back some of our Chairman Fred Laing’s most cherished bottlings. Personally curated by Chairman Fred Laing, this collection reflects both his expert eye and personal favourites. Whether you’re exploring something new, enhancing your collection, or simply seeking trusted quality, Fred’s handpicked selections deliver.

SHOP NOW

SPRING 2025: Next-Level Craft

Every issue of Whisky Advocate is committed to helping you grow your whisky appreciation and knowledge.

On Sale Now!

Subscribe

ralfy review 1077 – Ardnahoe Bholsa @50%vol:

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