Botanical sculptor Azuma Makoto has created a design for a limited edition Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old, which is said to represent the single malt’s notes of honeysuckle, sweet pea, jasmine and geranium.
Celebrating the drink’s “fragrant bouquet”, Azuma compares the rare Highland single malt Scotch whisky’s luscious, floral notes to a flower in bloom.
Showcasing his masterpiece, the Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie, a moving sculpture, featuring almost 100 different blooms, Azuma’s design can be seen on the labels of the new release bottles.
Azuma said: “When I first tasted Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, each sip of the whisky unfurled as if it was a flower in bloom.
“I could taste so many blossoms dancing on my tongue, that I was inspired to reimagine the whisky in Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie. I hope that through this limited edition design, my work brings as much joy as the delicious tastes which inspired it.”
With notes of honeysuckle, sweet pea, jasmine and geranium entwined with dried fruits and honey, after tasting it Azuma decided to translate the single malt’s flavour into flowers in his studio in Japan.
Comprising almost 100 blooms, it includes those he scented in the whisky, Scottish blooms and flowers from the many countries where Glenmorangie is enjoyed.
Azuma Makoto then drifted petals, confetti-like, over the work as it was photographed and filmed. His sculpture, Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie, is showcased on the whisky’s giftbox and labels.
Dreamed up by its whisky creators, Glenmorangie 18 Years Old begins with their delicate, fruity spirit, crafted in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma.
Next they age this spirit in bourbon casks for 15 years, then transfer a portion into Oloroso sherry casks for three more years. After 18 years, these casks are reunited to create the single malt whisky’s dazzling, luminous tastes.
Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, said: “Azuma’s stunning work deliciously translates the sweet, floral lushness of Glenmorangie 18 Years Old.
“A mere glimpse of his limited edition design brings to mind the whisky’s scents of geranium, tuberose and jasmine, and tastes of honeysuckle and sweet pea, figs and nuts.
“Since it looks as wonderful as it tastes, this limited edition is sure to delight whisky lovers old and new.”
The RRP for the Glenmorangie 18 Years Old Limited Edition is £100 and available while stocks last. Visit glenmorangie.com/en-gb for more information.