The Dalmore enlists British architect to reimagine its whisky

Similar to pretty much anything in life, there are levels to drinking spirits. Some have their first drink sneakily laying on a field in summer, or at their first club night during fresher’s. But eventually, you trade the first spirit you can find for something that makes you feel a slight bit more sophisticated, and like a pensive protagonist of an indie film. For those who want to feel as if they are at a Tokyo bar with Scarlett Johansson swirling a whisky sour à la Sofia Coppola style or (an entirely different vibe) getting whisky shots by Piper Perabo and Tyra Banks in Coyote Ugly, whisky is the one spirit that can be elegant yet still enjoyable to all.

One of the whisky brands that has sat on the tables of some of the best cult films is The Dalmore. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship and cult-favourite single malts, the Highland whisky house has more recently been quietly shaping the future of luxury spirits with its Luminary Series – a trilogy of collaborative editions that pair the brand’s signature house style with the creative vision of celebrated designers. Today, the final chapter lands: Luminary No.3.

At the centre of this release is British architect and digital designer Ben Dobbin. A graduate of Edinburgh University and now a key figure at Foster + Partners, Dobbin has worked under esteemed architects such as Sir Norman Foster on projects like Apple Park in California. With a design philosophy rooted in balance and tension, his work leans into engineered harmony, and it’s this precise energy that he brings to The Dalmore.

For the finished product, Dobbin’s influence shows up in the details. The Luminary No.3 17-Year-Old Single Malt is crafted with six finishing casks, including rare sherries, Calvados, and Bordeaux, layered over The Dalmore’s iconic American white oak-aged base. It’s rich, complex and carefully structured, with tasting notes that move through orchard fruit, toasted brioche, treacle, red liquorice and spice.

More than just about the flavour, the bottle is housed in a bespoke fold-out presentation case inspired by Dobbin’s own sculpture. It was created to hold The Rare, an ultra-limited 52-year-old edition from the same release, auctioned at Sotheby’s to benefit V&A Dundee. The museum has long partnered with The Dalmore, and the Luminary Series is an extension of that creative alliance, celebrating artistry in all its forms. From design studios to distilleries, Luminary No.3 closes out the trilogy by bringing both worlds into focus, balancing technical precision with creative vision.

Head to the gallery above to see more imagery of Dobbin’s process and final result.