Glenmorangie Launches Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old: A Celebration of Nature and Art in Whisky

Glenmorangie unveils Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old, a limited edition whisky celebrating art and nature, exclusively available in India.
Glenmorangie Launches Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old: A Celebration of Nature and Art in Whisky

Glenmorangie Unveils Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old in India

Glenmorangie, a hallmark of Scotch whisky crafted by LVMH, has unveiled a remarkable addition to its lineup: the Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old single malt whisky. This extraordinary limited edition marks the first prestige offering from Glenmorangie in India, presenting an opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to indulge in a taste experience that celebrates the essence of nature. Exclusively available at Delhi Duty Free, this release is truly a feast for the senses.

Discover the essence of Glenmorangie’s latest release.

To commemorate this prestigious launch, Glenmorangie has orchestrated a unique interactive art installation that resonates with the whisky’s rich narrative. This immersive experience features a stunning terrarium inspired by the delicate interplay of flora and fauna, further delving into the elemental themes of life, earth, air, and energy. The installation enhances the whisky-tasting adventure, allowing travelers to engage visually and sensorially with Glenmorangie’s intricate flavors and heritage.

A Collaboration Rooted in Nature

The Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden, and the renowned Japanese botanical artist, Azuma Makoto. Their joint endeavor springs from a mutual admiration for the natural world, encapsulated in the Japanese philosophy known as shinra bansho, which conveys the interconnectedness of all life.

During a visit to the scenic Highland Distillery, Dr. Bill and Azuma were captivated by the stunning landscape, which inspired Dr. Bill’s vision of a whisky embodying both Glenmorangie’s floral notes and the robust underground ecosystem. This led to the creation of a masterful blend: a classic Glenmorangie matured in bourbon casks, combined with the first-ever Glenmorangie expression finished in Chardonnay casks sourced from Burgundy’s famed Meursault appellation. The result is a whisky laced with enchanting flavors—damp moss, burning oak, and earthy undertones reminiscent of a forest floor.

“Our collaboration with Azuma Makoto is a delicious celebration of nature’s wonder,” stated Dr. Bill Lumsden. “This 23-year-old single malt encapsulates nature in all its forms, through notes of lemon balsam, poached pears, and cocoa powder layered on oaky, earthy tones.”

An artwork embodying the theme of shinra bansho.

In a demonstration of artistic synergy, Azuma Makoto crafted an exquisite sculpture as a tribute to nature’s intricate frame. His masterpiece is composed of an array of exotic flowers sourced from around the globe, seamlessly woven into roots, tree bark, and Scottish moss. This intricate sculpture, named Shinra Bansho, resonates with the thematic heart of the whisky and serves as the stunning visual representation on the packaging of the edition.

Celebrating the Spirit of Whisky

Azuma expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I was honoured to partner with Dr. Bill for this special celebration of shinra bansho. My sculpture is a response to my view of Earth’s blessings—my sense of gratitude for nature.” The fusion of whisky craftsmanship and artistic expression exemplifies how Glenmorangie not only aims to produce remarkable spirits but also seeks to honor the earth’s beauty through innovative collaborative projects.

Smriti Sekhsaria, the Marketing Director at Moët Hennessy India, voiced her enthusiasm for this exceptional release. “We are thrilled to bring the extremely rare Glenmorangie Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old to India. This collaboration perfectly embodies Glenmorangie’s innovative spirit and beautifully pays tribute to nature,” she noted.

Glenmorangie Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old on display.

The immersive launch experience at Delhi International Airport seeks to transform the shopping journey for discerning international travelers. Brimming with multi-sensory elements, the event invites whisky lovers to explore the olfactory nuances of the spirit through touch and scent.

A Distinctive Offer

The Glenmorangie Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old can be procured exclusively at travel retail outlets at the Delhi International Airport, priced at $1250 / INR 1,04,690. The limited-edition release offers a rare opportunity for whisky aficionados to experience a blend that harmonizes the marvels of the natural world with exceptional craftsmanship, paving the way for a new chapter in the Glenmorangie story.

This launch not only provides an exquisite tasting experience but also celebrates the intersections of art, culture, and nature that Glenmorangie so passionately embodies. As the bottle makes its way across select travel retail outlets throughout India, whisky lovers can anticipate not just a drink, but a true masterpiece that encapsulates the wonder of life.