In a historic collaboration, Glenturret distillery, Lalique, and artist James Turrell have birthed a whisky masterpiece called “Eight Decades.” Limited to just 80 decanters, this elixir celebrates Turrell’s 80th year while paying homage to Glenturret’s and Lalique’s timeless craftsmanship.
Crafting the decanter was no cakewalk for Lalique artisans. They skillfully injected violet crystal into the neck, creating mesmerizing transparency that showcases the amber-hued whisky within. The bottle’s silhouette, with sleek curves, tapered lines, and a pyramidal deep blue crystal stopper inspired by ancient Egypt, screams elegance.
Now, onto the whisky itself. Master Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno, in collaboration with Turrell, handpicked eight casks representing different facets of the artist’s eight-decade life. Expect a gaggle (is that a good word to use??) of aromas: dark dried fruit, chocolate orange, ginger cake, red berries, fresh apples, and a gentle oak backdrop. This sounds like cake whisky, in for one.
Since I don’t have £80,000 to buy one, I assume you’ll get gentle wood spices caressing your palate, while rich fruit cake soaked in treacle and honeycomb takes you to gustatory nirvana. A smooth, lingering finish leaves you yearning for more. In other words, you don’t shoot this whisky.
Glenturret Eight Decades a respectable 41.5% ABV and maintains its natural color, thanks to the non-chill filtering process. Like I said, this exceptional whisky will set you back £80,000. Better start rummaging through that couch of yours.
Glenturret has done a few limited editions, and this Eight Decades by Glenturret is a beauty.