Your move, whisky pals. The Balvenie has partnered London-based artisan Ellie Mercer to create a limited-edition collector’s chess set, Mercer’s first step into luxury interiors and homeware.
Ellie Mercer, known for sculptural pieces that blend resin, solid gold, and silver, has reinterpreted the classic Staunton chess set, incorporating materials directly sourced from The Balvenie distillery.
The collaboration is part of The Makers Project, an initiative in its fourth year that highlights modern creativity through partnerships with craftspeople who share The Balvenie’s commitment to passion, skill, and patience.
Ellie Mercer, known for sculptural jewellery pieces that blend resin, solid gold, and silver, has reinterpreted the classic Staunton chess set…
The contemporary, minimalist chess set is both collectable and functional.
Like The Balvenie cask heads, solid oak is crafted into a striking, square chessboard which combines polished brass details with deep, chocolate marbled resin, which contrasts with the amber resin chess pieces inspired by the honey tones of The Balvenie whisky.
The Balvenie x Ellie Mercer Luxury Chess Set is packaged with a bottle of The Balvenie Twenty Five, and is available exclusively at Fortnum & Mason, priced £1,650. Limited quantities are available, so make your move now.
For those unable to get their hands on a set, visitors to The Balvenie x Ellie Mercer ‘Makers & Gamers’ Experience at The Guards Bar and Lounge Raffles London at The OWO will be able to play a game on the designer chessboard, accompanied by a dram from The Balvenie Rare Marriages Collection.
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Hackstons of Knightsbridge is offering a curated selection of last-minute luxury drinks gifts certain to elevate the most romantic night of the year. In-house expert Guillaume Ragot has selected five outstanding bottles that tick all the right boxes, from celebratory sparkling wines, to memorable sippers, and luxury after-dinner…
The Luxe Review 
Your move, whisky pals. The Balvenie has partnered London-based artisan Ellie Mercer to create a limited-edition collector’s chess set, Mercer’s first step into luxury interiors and homeware.
Ellie Mercer, known for sculptural pieces that blend resin, solid gold, and silver, has reinterpreted the classic Staunton chess set, incorporating materials directly sourced from The Balvenie distillery.
The collaboration is part of The Makers Project, an initiative in its fourth year that highlights modern creativity through partnerships with craftspeople who share The Balvenie’s commitment to passion, skill, and patience.
The contemporary, minimalist chess set is both collectable and functional.
Like The Balvenie cask heads, solid oak is crafted into a striking, square chessboard which combines polished brass details with deep, chocolate marbled resin, which contrasts with the amber resin chess pieces inspired by the honey tones of The Balvenie whisky.
The Balvenie x Ellie Mercer Luxury Chess Set is packaged with a bottle of The Balvenie Twenty Five, and is available exclusively at Fortnum & Mason, priced £1,650. Limited quantities are available, so make your move now.
For those unable to get their hands on a set, visitors to The Balvenie x Ellie Mercer ‘Makers & Gamers’ Experience at The Guards Bar and Lounge Raffles London at The OWO will be able to play a game on the designer chessboard, accompanied by a dram from The Balvenie Rare Marriages Collection.
Karen Gillan fronts Compass Box Hedonism 2026 limited edition Scotch whisky
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…
Celebrity-founded Brother’s Bond Bourbon makes UK debut with starry four-grain whiskey range
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…
Valentine’s Day drinks gift guide: fine wine, champagne and rare spirits they’ll love
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Hackstons of Knightsbridge is offering a curated selection of last-minute luxury drinks gifts certain to elevate the most romantic night of the year. In-house expert Guillaume Ragot has selected five outstanding bottles that tick all the right boxes, from celebratory sparkling wines, to memorable sippers, and luxury after-dinner…
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