The Making of The Dalmore Luminary No.3
We are delighted to announce the release of The Dalmore Luminary No.3 whisky, a collaboration between V&A Dundee, The Dalmore, and Ben Dobbin of renowned architecture practice Foster + Partners. This 2025 Edition – The Collectible is the third chapter of The Dalmore Luminary Series – a unique, three-part collection of limited-edition whiskies, conceived and co-created by world-renowned talents from the worlds of whisky and architectural design.
The Dalmore Luminary No.3 is a rare 17-year-old single malt scotch whisky and is elegantly housed in a bespoke presentation case, which draws inspiration from the ‘The Rare’ sculpture. This is a highly limited edition release of only 20,000 bottles globally, and we are proud to be stocking the spirit at the V&A Dundee – available to buy online or in our museum shop.
The Whisky Details – Maturation Process
Following exchanges with Ben about his design philosophy and iterative artistic process, Dalmore Whisky Maker Gregg Glass was inspired to adopt a similar approach to creating the whisky.
The Luminary No.3 took on a complex maturation journey, whilst staying true to the signature house style of citrus, chocolate, and warming spice that The Dalmore is known and loved for. The result showcases The Dalmore’s pioneering approach to multi-cask maturation and whisky making artistry.
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 Apostles Sherry, select red wine casks from Bordeaux, and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and fully matured American White Oak
The Luminary No. 3 Tasting Notes
The Aroma
Vibrant orchard character leads on to Madagascan vanilla and cinnamon with delicate rose water top notes.
On the Palate
Rich butterscotch, red apples, tarte tatin, dark cacao, red liquorice, and soft wood spices, elevated by notes of cardamom, Seville oranges and, and green tea.
Finishing Notes
Dried apricots, ripe blackberries, fresh baked brioche, and soft lingering cassia bark.
Luminary No.3 Design, Inspiration & Collaboration
The whisky and its design represent the fusion of technical precision and creative flair, essential elements in the luminaries’ processes. The abstract packaging design draws inspiration from Dobbins' conversations with Glass and The Dalmore distillery’s Highland setting, and his appreciation of flavour, art, and music. The result is an asymmetric graphic incorporating smooth curves and straight lines in dynamic equilibrium.
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.”
The Dalmore Luminary No.3 is available to buy now.
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