Glenmorangie Launches Limited Edition 23-Year-Old Whisky in India

Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, part of LVMH, has unveiled its limited edition Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old, marking the first-ever prestige release from Glenmorangie in India. This exclusive whisky will be available only at Delhi Duty Free. To celebrate the launch, Glenmorangie has created an interactive art installation featuring a flora-fauna terrarium, enhancing the travel retail experience with themes of life, earth, air, and energy.

The Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old results from a collaboration between Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden, and Japanese botanical artist Azuma Makoto. Dr. Bill’s creation is inspired by their shared love of nature, reflecting complex notes of flowers, rain-soaked moss, and earthy hints. The packaging showcases Makoto's botanical artwork, symbolizing their combined vision.

During a visit to Glenmorangie’s Highland Distillery, Dr. Bill and Azuma were inspired by their surroundings and the Japanese concept of shinra bansho, which encompasses all elements of nature. Dr. Bill envisioned a whisky blending Glenmorangie’s floral character with earthy undertones. He combined Glenmorangie aged in bourbon casks with whisky finished in Chardonnay casks from the Meursault appellation in Burgundy. The result is a whisky with notes of moss, oak, and forest floor, creating a rich and mellow profile.

In his Tokyo studio, Azuma Makoto crafted a botanical sculpture using orchids, roses, and wildflowers from around the world, intertwining them with tree bark, roots, and moss. This sculpture, titled Shinra Bansho, is featured on the whisky’s packaging, reflecting the layered depths of Dr. Bill’s creation.

Dr. Bill Lumsden commented, “Our collaboration with Azuma Makoto is a celebration of nature’s wonder. This 23-year-old single malt, including our first whisky finished in Chardonnay casks from Burgundy, encapsulates nature in all its forms with notes of lemon balm, poached pears, and cocoa powder layered on oaky, earthy tones.”

Azuma Makoto added, “I was honored to partner with Dr. Bill for this celebration of shinra bansho. My sculpture represents my gratitude for nature and the flavors of the Highlands, expressed in Dr. Bill’s whisky.”

Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director at Moët Hennessy India stated, "We are thrilled to bring the rare Glenmorangie Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old to India, exclusively at Delhi Duty Free. This collaboration with Azuma Makoto embodies Glenmorangie’s innovative spirit and pays tribute to nature. We look forward to welcoming whisky enthusiasts and travelers to explore this limited edition.”

The immersive fragrance experience for the launch at Delhi International Airport aims to transform the shopping journey for international travelers, inviting them to explore the whisky’s nuances through touch and scent.

Glenmorangie Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old is available exclusively at travel retail outlets at Delhi International Airport, priced at $1250 / Rs 1,04,690. This limited edition offers whisky connoisseurs a unique opportunity to experience a masterpiece that harmonizes nature and craftsmanship. The bottle will soon be available at select travel retail outlets across the country.