Glenmorangie’s Latest Release: A Masterclass in Whisky and Art

Glenmorangie has unveiled a stunning collaboration between the Director of Whisky Creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden, and Japanese botanical artist, Azuma Makoto. The new release, a 23 Year Old single malt scotch, evokes the pair’s love of nature, and a Japanese concept known as Shinra Bansho, meaning ‘all things in the universe’.

Glenmorangie’s latest release is a masterpiece of whisky and art

The idea for the new 23 Year Old came to Dr. Bill and Azuma upon the latter’s trip to the distillery. The two were inspired by the glorious nature that surrounds the highland plant and began to brainstorm a collaboration that would capture the essence both of the whisky and of Scotland’s natural sphere.

The Glenmorangie Dr. Bill Lumsden x Azuma Makoto 23 Year Old is a careful blend of single malts, handpicked by Dr. Bill. The first whisky is a long-aged single malt from bourbon casks. This was then vatted with the distillery’s first-ever Chardonnay cask-finished whisky. The resulting single malt, bottled at 46% ABV, reveals layers of florals, a whisky that is ‘rich, mellow and intriguingly deep’.

Azuma Makoto’s stunning sculpture, Shinra Bansho, inspired by the whisky

Azuma Makoto, after returning from his Glenmorangie trip, went back to his Tokyo studio to create a botanical sculpture fit for the stunning Glenmorangie whisky. Using flowers gathered from the Scottish Highlands including orchids, roses, and wildflowers, as well as plants from around the world, Makoto ‘skilfully wove them through tree bark, roots and moss.’ The resulting sculpture is named Shinra Bansho, after the Japanese concept to which Makoto introduced Bill Lumsden. The beautiful sculpture is featured on the packaging of the 23 Year Old Glenmorangie.

The whisky itself is a masterclass in the art of blending. With notes of lemon balsam, honeycomb, poached pears, and cocoa powder, it is a whisky that is both complex and approachable. The finish is long and mellow, with hints of eucalyptus, lemon, and toasty oak.

The Glenmorangie Dr. Bill Lumsden x Azuma Makoto 23 Year Old is a whisky that is both complex and approachable

This collaboration is the latest release in a series of campaigns over the last decade where Glenmorangie appear to be making a definitive shift to a more modern and inclusive market. With its focus on sustainability and its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, Glenmorangie is a brand that is looking to the future.

Glenmorangie Distillery, a brand committed to sustainability

In conclusion, the Glenmorangie Dr. Bill Lumsden x Azuma Makoto 23 Year Old is a whisky that is both a masterpiece of blending and a work of art. With its stunning packaging and its complex, yet approachable flavor profile, it is a whisky that is sure to appeal to both whisky connoisseurs and art lovers alike.