Highland distillery The Dalmore has unveiled the third chapter of its acclaimed Luminary Series, a collection that pairs rare single malts with leading figures from the design world. The latest release, Luminary No.3, was created in collaboration with architect Ben Dobbin of Foster + Partners.
Luminary No.3 comes in two distinct editions. The first, The Dalmore Luminary No.3 2025 Edition, is a 17 year old single malt, crafted by Gregg Glass, that has been released in a run of 20,000 bottles. Bottled at 49.2% ABV, it has been matured using a multi-cask recipe that includes bourbon, sherry, Calvados, and Bordeaux wine casks.
The second release, the Luminary Rare, is a 52-year-old whisky with only two bottles in existence. One will remain in the archives of The Dalmore, with the other auctioned in support of the V&A Dundee. No retail price for The Rare has been announced, but previous editions have reached six figures.
The series, developed in partnership with V&A Dundee, has become a platform for The Dalmore to connect whisky-making with other disciplines of craftsmanship. Previous editions have involved Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and American designer Melody Leung.
But let’s cut to the chase. What does Luminary No.3 taste like?
Bottled at 49.2% ABV, it has been matured using a multi-cask finish that includes bourbon, sherry, Calvados, and Bordeaux wine casks…
The Dalmore Luminary No.3 2025 Edition tasting notes
The Dalmore has long been defined by its pioneering use of sherry casks, a tradition dating back to its partnership with González Byass in 1915. Founded in 1839 by Sir Alexander Matheson, and shaped by the Mackenzie family from 1867 onward, the distillery became known for its layered, complex whiskies, distinguished by their royal stag emblem and crafted in a still house of eight uniquely sized stills.
That heritage is echoed, and celebrated, in the complex maturation journey of the Luminary No.3 2025 Edition.
The Luxe Review enjoyed an exclusive tasting of the 17 year old, hosted by Dalmore global specialist Craig Swindell.
“The important part for me is that a sherry cask isn’t just a sherry cask to a whisky maker at The Dalmore,” prefaces Swindell. “Matusalem sherry casks add dried fruits, nuts and rich treacle notes I get from Matusalem Oloroso casks is very different to what an Apostoles sherry cask gives us. There are golden raisins, coffee notes, brioche, it’s much, much lighter.”
At first nosing, the whisky presents smooth vanilla and butterscotch. Orchard fruits follow – pears, apples – along with an intoxicating sweetness that deepens with time in the glass. On the palate, cherries and pastry notes mingle with chocolate and a whisper of liquorice, hinting at an older whisky in the blend.
The finish is delicate, balanced and warmly spiced. It’s a complex, full-bodied dram.
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Highland distillery The Dalmore has unveiled the third chapter of its acclaimed Luminary Series, a collection that pairs rare single malts with leading figures from the design world. The latest release, Luminary No.3, was created in collaboration with architect Ben Dobbin of Foster + Partners.
Luminary No.3 comes in two distinct editions. The first, The Dalmore Luminary No.3 2025 Edition, is a 17 year old single malt, crafted by Gregg Glass, that has been released in a run of 20,000 bottles. Bottled at 49.2% ABV, it has been matured using a multi-cask recipe that includes bourbon, sherry, Calvados, and Bordeaux wine casks.
The second release, the Luminary Rare, is a 52-year-old whisky with only two bottles in existence. One will remain in the archives of The Dalmore, with the other auctioned in support of the V&A Dundee. No retail price for The Rare has been announced, but previous editions have reached six figures.
The series, developed in partnership with V&A Dundee, has become a platform for The Dalmore to connect whisky-making with other disciplines of craftsmanship. Previous editions have involved Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and American designer Melody Leung.
But let’s cut to the chase. What does Luminary No.3 taste like?
The Dalmore Luminary No.3 2025 Edition tasting notes
The Dalmore has long been defined by its pioneering use of sherry casks, a tradition dating back to its partnership with González Byass in 1915. Founded in 1839 by Sir Alexander Matheson, and shaped by the Mackenzie family from 1867 onward, the distillery became known for its layered, complex whiskies, distinguished by their royal stag emblem and crafted in a still house of eight uniquely sized stills.
That heritage is echoed, and celebrated, in the complex maturation journey of the Luminary No.3 2025 Edition.
The Luxe Review enjoyed an exclusive tasting of the 17 year old, hosted by Dalmore global specialist Craig Swindell.
“The important part for me is that a sherry cask isn’t just a sherry cask to a whisky maker at The Dalmore,” prefaces Swindell. “Matusalem sherry casks add dried fruits, nuts and rich treacle notes I get from Matusalem Oloroso casks is very different to what an Apostoles sherry cask gives us. There are golden raisins, coffee notes, brioche, it’s much, much lighter.”
At first nosing, the whisky presents smooth vanilla and butterscotch. Orchard fruits follow – pears, apples – along with an intoxicating sweetness that deepens with time in the glass. On the palate, cherries and pastry notes mingle with chocolate and a whisper of liquorice, hinting at an older whisky in the blend.
The finish is delicate, balanced and warmly spiced. It’s a complex, full-bodied dram.
The Dalmore Luminary No.3 2025 Edition is available from The Whisky Exchange, priced at £279.
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