The Dalmore Luminary Series is one of the most ambitious ongoing collaborations in Scotch whisky — a four-year partnership between The Dalmore Distillery and Scotland's V&A Dundee design museum, pairing world-class whisky craftsmanship with visionary architectural design. Each annual chapter features two expressions: The Rare (ultra-limited and auction-exclusive) and The Collectible — the latter being this bottle. For the 2025 third edition, the creative collaborator is Ben Dobbin, architect at the legendary Foster + Partners studio (responsible for The Gherkin, The Shard, and many of the world's most iconic buildings). Dobbin's packaging design — an intricate web of flowing geometric lines — is inspired by his experience of tasting the whisky itself.
The whisky was crafted under Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and the legendary Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE. The Luminary No. 3 "Collectible" is a 17-year-old Highland single malt, initially matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in a curated seven-cask combination: vintage Calvados apple brandy casks, Matusalem and Apostoles Oloroso Sherry butts (Gonzalez Byass), and premium red wine barriques from Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellations. Non-chill filtered, no artificial colouring, bottled at 49.2% ABV. Limited to 20,000 bottles worldwide.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
The Dalmore Distillery, Alness, Ross-shire, Highland, Scotland |
| Master Whisky Maker |
Gregg Glass — with Richard Paterson OBE |
| Design Luminary |
Ben Dobbin — Foster + Partners | V&A Dundee partnership |
| Type |
Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky — Non-chill filtered, no added colour |
| Maturation |
American white oak ex-bourbon, then 7-cask finish: vintage Calvados, Matusalem Sherry, Apostoles Sherry, Bordeaux red wine, Châteauneuf-du-Pape barriques |
| Availability |
Limited to 20,000 bottles worldwide — 2025 annual release |
| Age |
17 Years |
| Proof |
98.4 Proof |
| ABV |
49.2% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland, Highland |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with rich orange warmth — seven casks reflected in every pour
Nose: Fresh and expressive — vibrant pear and green apple lead, layered over Madagascan vanilla, cinnamon, and elegant rose water. Honeycomb, peach, and apricot develop with air. Subtle vanilla custard and crème brûlée.
Palate: Rich and indulgent — butterscotch and baked apple (tarte tatin) unfold into dark cacao, liquorice, and soft wood spices. Cardamom, Seville orange zest, and a delicate green tea note add complexity and finesse from the multi-cask finish.
Finish: Long and graceful — dried apricots, ripe blackberries, fresh-baked brioche, and a delicate echo of cassia bark and oak.
FAQ
What is the Luminary Series?
A four-year annual collaboration between The Dalmore and V&A Dundee (Scotland's design museum), pairing the distillery's whisky making with a world-renowned design luminary. Each year a different architect or designer co-creates both the whisky and its packaging. No. 3 partners with Ben Dobbin of Foster + Partners — the studio behind many of the world's most recognizable buildings.
How does the seven-cask finish work?
After 17 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, the whisky is finished across seven different cask types simultaneously — including vintage Calvados, two different Sherry styles (Matusalem and Apostoles from Gonzalez Byass), and fine red wine barriques from two of Bordeaux's most prestigious appellations. This complexity of finishing is a hallmark of The Dalmore's approach under Richard Paterson OBE.
Where can I buy The Dalmore Luminary No. 3 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.
