As Mortlach's first Creative Director, Starck’s innovative designs align with the pioneering vision of its original distiller, Alexander Cowie. – Photos: Handout
Mortlach has always been one of the most unique among Scotch whiskies, from its patented 2.81 distillation process to its legendary ‘Beast of Dufftown’ nickname.
This year, the distillery celebrates 200 years of distilling excellence, and has marked the occasion by welcoming legendary creator Philippe Starck as its first ever Creative Director.
As one of the most visionary and renowned creators in the international contemporary scene, Starck is the perfect person to be Mortlach’s first Creative Director.
Starck’s first creation for the brand will be the The Mortlach x Starck collection, which was officially launched in Malaysia on Dec 4 at an event held at Entier French Dining, Kuala Lumpur.
The collection draws from the brand’s history of bold evolution, with Starck’s innovative designs aligning with the pioneering vision of Mortlach’s original distiller, Alexander Cowie.
With his boundary-pushing approach to design, Starck has reimagined the essence of Mortlach whisky, infusing the collection with his signature creativity and avant-garde flair.
Starck has reimagined the essence of Mortlach whisky, infusing the collection with his signature creativity and avant-garde flair.
From the L’Evolution Collection, the ‘Become’ expression takes the spotlight, offering a bold whisky experience that balances deep complexity with a smooth, refined finish.
Rich with rebellious character, Become is a reflection of both Mortlach’s legacy of innovation and Starck’s forward-thinking design, promising whisky lovers an unforgettable taste of transformation.
Best-known for his multifaceted inventiveness, Starck is one of the pioneers and central figures of the concept of “democratic design”.
“We are proud to be the first Scotch whisky brand he has ever worked with,” said Pedro Mendonça, Diageo’s Global Reserve Managing Director, in a press release.
“Together we will venture into creative new heights, reinventing what whisky will represent to a generation, reimagining and rebuilding the spirit of Mortlach.”
Best-known for his multifaceted inventiveness, Starck is one of the pioneers and central figures of the concept of “democratic design”.
Starck's designs and vision is always focused on the essential – the idea that any creation, whatever form it takes, must improve the lives of as many people as possible.
His work can be seen across numerous aspects of life, from everyday products (furniture, a citrus squeezer, electric bikes, an individual wind turbine), to architecture (hotels, restaurants that aspire be stimulating places) and naval and spatial engineering (mega yachts, space habitation module).
The Mortlach x Starck collection is inspired by the story of evolution, with Starck sharing the same pioneering vision as Mortlach's trailblazing distiller Alexander Cowie, who founded the distillery 200 years ago and created the distillery’s 2.81 unique distillation process.
“Mortlach is the result of a scientific genius, Alexander Cowie. Since its creation, the brand has been inventing and exploring new territories, crafting whiskies that are incredibly rich without any gimmick or anything superfluous,” the new Creative Director said in a press release.
Starck shares the same pioneering vision as Mortlach's trailblazing distiller Alexander Cowie, who founded the distillery 200 years ago.
“This was a strong shock for me, as Mortlach clearly already belonged to the future. The evolution story of Mortlach takes a leap forward into modernity, with the elegance of nature and the magic of science at the service of humanity.”
The first known distillery in Speyside, established in 1823, Mortlach is often referred to as The Beast of Dufftown for its powerful and uncharacteristic flavour profile, which boast a depth of rich, umami-like flavours that goes beyond the expectations of Speyside malts.
With the appointment of Starck as its Creative Director, Mortlach is now proudly entering a new era, reinventing what whisky will represent to a new generation.
For more information about the Mortlach x Starck collection or to make a purchase, go here.
