Background
How might you make breakaway from the traditional codes of whiskey and create brand stories that appealed to a broader luxury audence?
The 2023 ‘Spirited Xchange’ Special Release Scotch Whisky Collection is a cultural exchange of flavors, craft, and artistry in eight unique single malt expressions.
This year’s collection explores a variety of ages and spirits characters, delivering new depth of complexity and capturing the essence of cultural exchange through unique layers of flavour.
The pack designs were illustrated by eight artists across the globe, are visual tasting notes, placing the expression at the centre of the experience and exploring the flavours that emerge from local spirit casks.
Role: Creative & Culture Lead
The Katana’s Edge
“A malt of stunning impact, a rogue flash of umami cuts through its savoury sweetness.”
Inspired by the rogue samurais of Japan, a connection to the brand’s magnetic midnight energy, its founders who were outliers in the whiskey world, and the its nickname as the “Beast of Dufftown”.
Mortlach is famed for its sweet yet savoury taste, defiantly rare among Speyside malts. Moved by this contrasting spark of umami, our Malt Master drew inspiration from the flavours of Japan, and finished part of this stunning expression in ex-Kanosuke Japanese Whisky casks. To add balance to the sweetness, ex-pinot noir casks were used to finish the remaining part of the whisky, in a combination of the utmost precision.
The Wild Explarador
“A golden sweet glow seers through a current of smoke, with a splash of sea salt in its wake”
Inspired by the wild nature of Talisker, and the swift and mighty Portuguese caravel that once conquered the oceans.
Exploring the harmony between grace and power, our Malt Master pays homage to the Portuguese origins of these great seafarer’s ships, by finishing this supreme maritime whisky in a combination of Ruby, White and Tawny port casks. Reigniting our own passion for exploration, this unusual combination of casks brings uncanny balance to a tumultuous Talisker.
The Ink of Legends
“Thick whispers of rich smoke, etched with bright herbs and juicy plums for an indelible finish”
Inspired by the spirit and intensity of Lagavulin’s more than 200 year history, and the riches of the ancient Mesoamerican tattoo culture.
Our Malt Master explores the famed symbols of the ancient Mesoamerican art of tattoo, rich in story and significance. The whisky, finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, pulses with herbal flavours ancient and modern, engraving an indelible story.
The Floral Treasure
“A magnificent floral bouquet blossoms, rich and bright as a delicate masterpiece”
Reflecting on its fine and delicate nature, our Malt Master drew inspiration from the exquisite porcelain of China’s great dynasties to create the oldest-ever Glenkinchie bottling direct from the distillery. Just as it took countless man-hours to create the precious vases of the great emperors, this rare whisky has been slowly matured for twenty-seven years to achieve an imperiously refined expression of its lush, floral flavours.
The Soul of Calypso
“A vibrant cacophony of flavors pulsing with hints of tropical fruit and whispers of exotic sea air”
Inspired by the merging of rhythms in the beating heart of calypso, our Malt Master finished this lively Oban expression in Caribbean Pot Still rum casks. The vibrant combination evokes unexpected tropical notes of sugar cane and mango, which build on Oban’s own clever fusion of the Highland and Island styles. A glint of gold announces the summer sun while the fresh aroma of a sea breeze, backed by notes of citrus and enhanced by hints of tropical fruit and a dry spiciness, quickly brings the carnival closer.
The Jazz Crescendo
“Alluring dulcet tones reach a crescendo with notes of vanilla spice and smooth caramel.”
The honeyed flavours and smooth, waxy textures of Clynelish play the sweetest of melodies. Along with the mesmerising solo wildcat on the bottle, they inspired our Malt Master to create a whisky to express all the sweet and soulful richness of classic American jazz. Exclusively aged in ex-bourbon American Oak, this expression sings with notes of rich caramel and vanilla spice.
The Silken Gown
“Amber threads of silken toffee, rippling with layers of lush golden fruit”
The Singleton of Glendullan is of smooth and sensorial elegance layered to perfection. Our Malt Master curates this craftsmanship with the care of the most famous of French fashion houses, to create a whisky that enraptures with silken, amber character and luscious, bountiful flavour. Finished in rich Chardonnay de Bourgogne French Oak casks, it radiates a rich and magnetic character.
The Origami Kite
“Dark molasses sails as sticky stewy fruits and vanilla cream emerge for a soaring expression.”
At Roseisle Distillery, whisky making is a masterful merging of simple elements to create a stunning single malt that soars with profound flavours. Notes of sweet vanilla smoothly sail through this lofty expression, from which rise deep, luscious flavour notes of rich, sticky stewed fruits.