The relationship between whisky and architecture isn’t something that immediately springs to mind for most drinkers, but The Dalmore has spent the last few years making a compelling case that these disparate worlds have more in common than we might think. With its third and final installment, the Scotch distillery’s acclaimed Luminary Series reaches a new high with a 52-year-old single malt housed in an eye-catching sculpture.
Aging Like Fine Architecture
Founded in 1839, the Highland distillery has long built a reputation for luxury expressions but the Luminary Series has taken things to another level entirely. Following collaborations with Kengo Kuma’s protégé Maurizio Mucciola in 2022 with a 48-year Scotch and Melodie Leung of Zaha Hadid Associates in 2023 with a 49-year, The Dalmore has now teamed up with Ben Dobbin of Foster + Partners for this grand finale. Dobbin, whose portfolio includes designing Apple Park and revitalizing San Francisco’s Transamerica Pyramid, brings a fresh architectural perspective to Scotland’s favorite spirit.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this collaboration is how the creative process worked both ways. Rare whiskies are no stranger to beautiful packaging but for the Luminary No. 3, The Dalmore actually allowed Dobbin himself to inspire the liquid as well. For the task, Master whisky makers Richard Paterson and Gregg Glass took direct inspiration from the architect’s personal tastes for the final liquid. At the same time, Dobbin immersed himself in the Highland landscape surrounding the distillery, finding unexpected inspiration in the likes of nearby bridges and flowing lochs.
Pushing Cask Boundaries
As for the headlining 52-year-old expression, the whisky began life in ex-bourbon barrels before spending additional time in five very rare casks, including vintage 1980 Calvados, 1940 Colheita Port, Tawny Port, 40-year-old Pedro Ximénez Sherry, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine casks. What’s particularly notable is the use of Calvados casks, which weren’t even approved by the Scotch Whisky Association until 2019. Paterson had the vision to lay down whisky in these apple brandy barrels years before regulatory approval, taking a serious gamble that the rules might change.
While the amount of time spent in either the ex-bourbon barrels or the quintet of rare casks isn’t specified, the total aging period is nevertheless over half a century, which is exceptional in the Scotch world. Maintaining The Dalmore’s knack for richer, almost chocolatey Scotch, the 52-Year is said to possess an aroma of “baked red apples, sugared almonds, and soft wood spice” before transitioning to a palate of “rich caramel, apple crumble, dark chocolate, and blood orange.” This gives way to a finish of vanilla, marzipan, and licorice. It’s also bottled just above the legal minimum at 40.3% ABV — a rare low proof for high-aged whisky.
Suspended in Time and Bronze
Drawing on the principle of “tensegrity,” where objects appear balanced by precisely calibrated tension, Dobbin’s bronze sculpture creates the illusion of a floating decanter. The asymmetric design features dramatic waves, rods, and contrasting textures that feel like a piece of literal art, if you’re so lucky enough to get one of these for your personal collection.
Along with Dobbin, the release is also a collaboration with V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum. Only two examples of this bronze-and-whisky bottle housing were made. One is being kept for The Dalmore’s archives and one will be headed to Sotheby’s Hong Kong for auction, estimated to be well over the $100,000 range, with proceeds benefiting the museum.
The Accessible Alternative
For those of us without six figures to spend on whisky, The Dalmore has thoughtfully created the Luminary No.3 “The Collectible.” This 17-year-old expression (49.2% ABV) follows a similar aging philosophy as the 52-year, with seven different cask types, including various Calvados, sherry, and wine finishes. At $399, it’s still going to occupy your top shelf, but brings the distillery’s experimental cask program to a (relatively) more accessible price point. And with 20,000 bottles available globally, you might actually stand a chance of acquiring one without bidding against billionaires.
SPEC SHEET
Expression: The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age Statement: 52 Years
ABV: 40.3%
Aroma: Baked red apples, sugared almonds, Madagascan vanilla, cinnamon, soft wood spice
Palate: Rich butterscotch, red apples, tarte tatin, dark cacao, blood orange, cardamom
Finish: Vanilla, marzipan, liquorice, dried apricots
Limited Edition?: Yes, 2
Price: Estimated $100,000 to $200,000 (auction)
Pricing & Availability
The 52-year-old Rare edition is being auctioned off via Sotheby’s Hong Kong right now until May 16 with no reserve, but estimates suggest this will sell for as high as $200,000. Meanwhile, The Collectible 17-year-old expression (20,000 bottles) becomes available mid-May 2025 through luxury retailers and The Dalmore website for $399.
Recap
The Dalmore Luminary No. 3 Rare 52-Year
For the third and final release in the Luminary series, The Dalmore has made a 52-year-old Scotch that’s staged on a metal sculpture to make it look like it’s floating. It’s being auctioned off this week via Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
