Cuisine

2025’s Whisky Rewrite: The Dalmore x Ben Dobbin Luminary Edition

Ben Dobbin, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners, designed a sculpture to encase the oldest whisky in the Luminary Series.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
At the heart of this year’s edition is “The Rare,” a 52-year-old single malt that represents the oldest whisky released under the Luminary banner, housed within an awe-inspiring sculpture / Photo The Dalmore
At the heart of this year’s edition is “The Rare,” a 52-year-old single malt that represents the oldest whisky released under the Luminary banner, housed within an awe-inspiring sculpture / Photo The Dalmore

The Dalmore has unveiled the third edition of its prestigious Luminary Series in a bold fusion of architectural brilliance and whisky craftsmanship. 

 

This time, the revered Highland distillery collaborates with Ben Dobbin, a Senior Partner at the world-renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners. 

 

Their combined effort delivers two extraordinary expressions of The Dalmore‘s artistry: “The Rare” and “The Collectible,” both of which pay homage to design, precision, and heritage.

 

A Creative Synergy: Architecture Meets Whisky

The partnership between The Dalmore and Ben Dobbin is rooted in the shared values of innovation, artistry, and timeless craftsmanship. 

 

Dobbin, whose portfolio includes iconic projects like Apple Park in California and the revitalization of San Francisco’s Transamerica Pyramid, stepped beyond the boundaries of architecture to co-create with The Dalmore’s whisky legends.

 

The result is not just about whisky, but a multidimensional experience combining taste, design, and narrative.

The partnership between The Dalmore and Ben Dobbin is rooted in the shared values of innovation, artistry, and timeless craftsmanship / Photo The Dalmore
The partnership between The Dalmore and Ben Dobbin is rooted in the shared values of innovation, artistry, and timeless craftsmanship / Photo The Dalmore

The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare

At the heart of this year’s edition is “The Rare,” a 52-year-old single malt that represents the oldest whisky released under the Luminary banner. 

 

Matured in a sophisticated combination of casks—including vintage 1980 Calvados, 1940 Colheita Port, and 40-year-old Pedro Ximénez Sherry.

 

Its presentation is equally compelling. Encased in a custom decanter, the whisky is housed within an awe-inspiring sculpture by Dobbin. 

 

Built using principles of tensegrity, the bronze structure suspends the decanter as if floating in time. 

 

Waves, rods, and curves merge in architectural harmony, expressing tension, movement, and stillness in a single object.

 

This singular piece will be auctioned by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, with all proceeds benefitting V&A Dundee.

Ben Dobbin stepped beyond the boundaries of architecture to co-create with The Dalmore’s whisky legends / Photo The Dalmore
Ben Dobbin stepped beyond the boundaries of architecture to co-create with The Dalmore’s whisky legends / Photo The Dalmore

The Dalmore Luminary No.3 – 2025 Edition – The Collectible

Crafted with the same passion and attention, “The Collectible” is a 17-year-old expression inspired by “The Rare.” 

 

Featuring a presentation case that reflects the sculpture’s design ethos, this bottle is limited to just 20,000 units worldwide.

 

The whisky begins its journey in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before being finished in seven diverse barrels, including Calvados, rare Matusalem and Apostoles Sherry, Bordeaux wine, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 

 

This meticulous process results in a whisky that embodies The Dalmore’s signature notes while offering layers of bold and refined character.

Built using principles of tensegrity, the bronze structure suspends the decanter as if floating in time / Photo The Dalmore
Built using principles of tensegrity, the bronze structure suspends the decanter as if floating in time / Photo The Dalmore

Venice Launch and Architectural Celebration

The global reveal took place on May 7, 2025, in Venice, ahead of the Venice Biennale, the world’s most esteemed architecture exhibition. 

 

Attendees experienced a live discussion with Dobbin, along with other creatives from past Luminary Series editions. 

 

The sculpture and decanter were showcased in a co-curated exhibit between Foster + Partners and V&A Dundee, blending the worlds of whisky and architecture tangibly.

 

An exclusive first tasting of the 2025 editions was also held, reinforcing The Dalmore‘s commitment to craftsmanship and storytelling.

 

A Legacy of Giving and Innovation

Since its inception in 2021, the Luminary Series has supported V&A Dundee, donating over £200,000 to further the museum’s educational and community-focused initiatives. 

 

Previous collaborators include Kengo Kuma, Melodie Leung, and Maurizio Mucciola, each bringing their unique lens to the intersection of design and distillation.

Four Questions and Answers

  • 1. What is special about The Dalmore Luminary 2025 Edition – The Rare? It is a 52-year-old whisky, the oldest in the Luminary Series, encased in a sculpture by Ben Dobbin and auctioned for charity.
  • 2. Who designed the presentation sculpture for The Rare? Ben Dobbin of Foster + Partners designed it, using the architectural principle of tensegrity.
  • 3. How many bottles of The Collectible will be released? Only 20,000 bottles will be made available globally.
  • 4. What is the purpose of the collaboration with V&A Dundee? The partnership supports design education and outreach, with proceeds from auctions benefiting the museum.

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