The Collectible, on the other hand, was aged in casks that previously held vintage and aged Calvados, Matusalem and Apostoles sherry, red wine casks from Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and fully matured American white oak.
Availability: The Rare is an extremely limited release, with only two bottles in existence. The Collectible, on the other hand, will have a global release with 20,000 bottles available.
Price: The Rare is a highly exclusive release and will undoubtedly fetch a high price at auction. The Collectible, while still a premium whisky, will be more accessible in terms of pricing.
Collaboration: The Dalmore Luminary Series No. 3 was a collaboration between The Dalmore’s Master Distiller, Richard Paterson, Master Whisky Maker, Stephanie MacLeod, and architect Ben Dobbin.
Overall, The Dalmore Luminary Series No. 3 marks a significant milestone in the history of Scotch whisky, showcasing the innovative use of Calvados casks and the creative collaboration between whisky makers and designers. With its rare and collectible releases, this series offers whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to experience truly unique and exceptional expressions of The Dalmore’s craftsmanship and expertise.
The Dalmore has always been known for its exceptional quality and unique cask maturation techniques, and their latest releases, The Rare and The Collectible, are no exception. These expressions are the first in the Dalmore lineup to have been matured in Calvados casks, adding a new dimension to the already exquisite whisky.
The Collectible, limited to 20,000 bottles globally, is a true gem for whisky collectors and enthusiasts alike. Priced at $399.99, this expression offers a rich and complex flavor profile thanks to the casks that formerly held vintage and aged Calvados, rare Matusalem sherry, rare Apostoles sherry, red wine from Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and fully matured American white oak. The result is a whisky that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
On the other hand, The Rare is a one-of-a-kind bottle that comes with a sculpture by the talented artist Ben Dobbin. This special bottle will be auctioned by Sotheby’s, with the price determined by the winning bidder. The Rare is a true collector’s item, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating each bottle of Dalmore whisky.
Richard Glass, the master distiller behind these exceptional releases, is thrilled with the outcome of the Calvados cask maturation. He explains, “One of the joys of the project was to have the opportunity to experiment with the flavor characteristics of casks that are uncommon in the industry. The key question became not about what my expectation was as a whisky maker, but on whether it had the potential to deliver the right type of apple note and taste experience we were looking for.”
While it may be tempting to keep The Rare bottle unopened as a collector’s item, Glass encourages whisky lovers to enjoy their whisky. He says, “One of the biggest joys for me is the moment of enjoyment, whether it be one or 1,000-plus bottles… for me, a whisky is only complete when it is enjoyed by our fans.” So, whether you choose to savor every sip of The Collectible or display The Rare with pride, these expressions are sure to delight and impress.
