Latest Whisky Releases

The Dalmore – Luminary Series No.3 – The Rare

The Dalmore’s Luminary Series has come to an end with the launch of the third and final instalment – the No.3. And they’ve gone all out when it comes to The Rare; a 52-year-old single malt matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a unique set of hand-selected casks – Calvados vintage 1980, Colheita Port Pipe 1940, Pedro Ximénez 40 years, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine casks.

As with the previous releases, the No.3 has been created in collaboration with the V&A Dundee. This time, Ben Dobbin of Foster & Partners architects has designed the accompanying sculpture.

For his sculpture, Ben has drawn on the concept of architectural design principles – precision, tension and integrity – which are reflected in the whisky and its creation. An undulating set of brass spokes is held between a flowing river of bronze. With just three small sections resting on the floor, it’s almost suspended – yet perfectly balanced and held due to the tensegrity (tensional integrity). Remove one part of the structure, and the rest will fall, just like the whisky-making process – remove one element and the character of the whisky will lose its integrity.

Distiller’s Flavour Profile:

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

• Palate: Rich caramel, apple crumble, dark chocolate and blood orange

• Finish: Vanilla, tarte tatin, marzipan and liquorice

ABV: 40.3%

Just two bottles of this extraordinary whisky have been produced – one held in the Dalmore archives, and the other auctioned at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, where it sold for a staggering 500,000 HKD (approx. £471,000).

Glen Scotia – Elements of Campbeltown

A new annual series from Campbeltown’s very own Glen Scotia distillery has kicked off in style, with its first-ever 50-year-old whisky as the inaugural release: Elements of Campbeltown Release No.1 – Air.

Celebrating the maritime influences along the Kintyre Peninsula, this aged Scotch incorporates the saltiness of the sea, balanced with creamy sweet coconut and slightly spicy notes of ginger.

Distilled in 1973 and matured in refill American oak casks, just 100 individually numbered bespoke Glencairn crystal decanters have been produced – each one presented in a unique wooden display cabinet of Ash and Birch, stunningly decorated by local artist Gina Parr.

Limited edition: 100 bottles worldwide (70cl)

RRP: £35,000

ABV: 42.3%

Natural colour

Non-chill filtered

Johnnie Walker Vault – Couture Expression

In April this year, we told you about the new subterranean vault where Master Blender Dr Emma Walker would be creating exciting new limited-edition Johnnie Walker blends, in collaboration with innovative artists from a variety of cultural domains.

The result of the first of these collaborations was recently revealed. Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of French couture fashion house Balmain, has – with Dr Emma Walker – created four seasonally inspired whiskies reflecting the influences of high-end fashion, luxury and opulence.

Each whisky comprises the same sumptuous base, including ghost whiskies from Brora and Port Dundas. Upon this, layers of whisky depth and flavour have been expertly blended to reflect the season they represent.

Diageo states the Couture Expression blends encompass:

• Spring – Refreshing and floral. A celebration of renewal and transformation, with brightness drawn from a selection of rare whiskies, including a 1985 Cragganmore, a rarely seen 1977 Caledonian, and minerality from a treasured 1978 Port Ellen.

• Summer – Vibrant. An ode to summer with tropical fruit notes from a selection of rare whiskies, including an experimental Cardhu Wine Cask Finish and a 1990 Clynelish, wrapped in the richness of 1988 Benrinnes.

• Fall – Textured and bold. A time of self-reflection and the relentless pursuit of excellence, this expression features an experimental Teaninich chocolate malt, layered with smoke from the 1978 Port Ellen.

• Winter – Deep and contemplative. Reflecting ‘coming home’ and the warmth of sharing time and moments with family and friends. The richest of the four, dialling up Islay malts from Port Ellen and Brora, with a mulled wine sweetness from the 1988 Benrinnes.

“Olivier brought an emotional language to the blending creation, and we worked together to explore what whisky can express – technically, sensorially and artistically. We deliberately chose to use the same whiskies across several of the seasons, playing with proportions, textures and seasonal notes to create four distinct expressions of whiskies.” – Dr Emma Walker

Launched on 26th May, just 25 bottles of each season were made available, with a recommended retail price of $20,000.

Naturally, the exterior is as lavish as the contents within!