Architectural Innovation Meets Whisky Craftsmanship: The Dalmore Luminary No.2 Sculpture by Zaha Hadid Architects' Melodie Leung

Discover the story behind Zaha Hadid Architects' Melodie Leung's unique sculpture for The Dalmore Luminary No.2 - The Rare, a limited edition 49-year-old single malt Scotch whisky.
Architectural Innovation Meets Whisky Craftsmanship: The Dalmore Luminary No.2 Sculpture by Zaha Hadid Architects' Melodie Leung

Zaha Hadid Architects’ Melodie Leung Creates Sculptural Masterpiece for The Dalmore Luminary No.2 - The Rare

In a surprising turn of events, Zaha Hadid Architects’ Director Melodie Leung has shifted her focus from grand architectural projects to a more intimate medium - whisky. Collaborating with Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE, Leung has crafted a stunning sculpture for The Dalmore Luminary No.2 - The Rare.

The limited edition of this 49-year-old single malt Scotch whisky will feature Leung’s intricate design, with only two bottles in existence. One of these bottles will be auctioned at Sotheby’s, with proceeds benefiting the V&A Dundee design museum.

Leung’s inspiration for the sculpture stemmed from the alchemical process of whisky-making, with swirling patterns symbolizing the complex layers of flavors and aromas that develop over time. Working closely with master glass artist Fiaz Elson, the team meticulously refined over 300 prototypes to achieve the final masterpiece.

The Rare was aged in American White Oak ex-bourbon casks and finished in a unique combination of Port Colheita 1963, Apostoles sherry, and bourbon hybrid casks. The result is a whisky with intense vanilla, dark berry fruit, and cacao aromas, culminating in a subtle sweet smoke finish.

The first complete set of The Rare will be auctioned in May, while the second set will be displayed at The Dalmore’s Highlands distillery. A third bottle is reserved to complete a full Luminary series set.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exceptional collaboration between architecture and whisky craftsmanship!


This article is based on the original content published on Luxurylaunches.