Introduction
Dalmore has always carried a certain prestige, with its mix of rich sherry cask influence and elegant Highland character. So when I heard about the second release in its limited “Luminary” series – a collaboration involving top names from the V&A Dundee and world of architectural design – my interest was piqued. I managed to find a dram of the Dalmore Luminary No.2, the 2023 Edition, which blends contemporary creativity with classic Dalmore DNA. With the involvement of renowned architect Melodie Leung and Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass, I expected thoughtful complexity and attention to detail, both in flavor and story.
Nose
The first nosing surprised me – not with intensity, but with subtle layering. I picked up soft smoke reminiscent of extinguished campfire ash, something gentler than full-blown peat. Once settled, notes of orange peel, polished oak, and fresh ginger poked through. There was also a sweet warmth – stewed raisins, roasted nuts, and a trace of brown sugar. It leaned more sultry than bright, with depth rather than immediate punch.
Palate
The palate opened with a velvet mouthfeel – smooth but carrying a bit of grip. It struck a firm balance between a dry, toasted oak backbone and sweeter elements like dark chocolate, plump sultanas, and cinnamon stick. What I appreciated most was how the gentle peat wove in – noticeable, but never pushing its way forward. There's a faint mineral or saline note mid-palate that lent brightness and dimension. The cask influence shone with roasted coffee and hints of sandalwood, but the integration was tight – nothing too showy or loud.
Finish
The finish was moderately long, starting with warm spice and trailing into drier flavors – black tea, clove, and a wisp of smoke lingering at the very end. It felt cohesive, evolving slightly rather than tapering off quickly. There’s a refined cleanliness to the finish that left space for the lingering spice to work its way through without coating the mouth excessively.
Price and Value
For the Limited Edition No.2 (~£250 depending on the retailer), this is firmly in collector territory. You're definitely paying for the packaging, rarity, and artistic collaboration as much as for the juice itself. In terms of flavor experience, it's a cut above core-range Dalmore releases, but whether it justifies the price depends on how much you value the concept and presentation. For me, it felt like art you can taste – carefully constructed and thoughtful, if not a daily drinker. As a sipping whisky for reflection or celebration, it fit the bill well.
Background
Dalmore’s “Luminary” series is more than just whisky – it’s positioned as a creative meeting point between whisky-making and the applied arts. This second edition was created in collaboration with the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design-focused museum, and it draws inspiration from both architectural form and natural materials. Master Blender Gregg Glass and Architect Melodie Leung of the Zaha Hadid firm worked together to craft both the spirit and the striking bottle design. The whisky itself was matured in a mix of American oak, Italian Amarone casks, and finished in Scottish Tay region oak – adding a rare terroir touch. Learn more about the distillery at the official Dalmore website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? If I had the budget and wanted to offer something distinct at a tasting, yes. It’s well made and carries Dalmore’s hallmarks while introducing a gently smoky, modern profile. Is it suitable for newcomers to whisky? It’s approachable in texture but layered in flavour, so probably better suited to someone with a bit of experience who would appreciate its subtlety. What kind of moment suits this whisky best? I’d say a quiet evening, maybe shared with one or two people who won’t be distracted – it’s one to think about as you sip. And how does it compare with other Highland whiskies? It's more reflective and artistic than bold – less assertive than a Clynelish or GlenDronach, but with more finesse and architectural structure.