As the capital celebrates the arrival of Frieze Art Fair, the return of The Dalmore’s Curated Excellence presents exclusive collaborations with the height of Mayfair’s social circuit, taking
fairgoers on a journey of discovery as they tour the exhibitions around London.

To mark the most anticipated week in the art calendar, world-leading teams of mixologists from The Connaught, The Dorchester, The Beaumont and sketch will serve expertly executed expressions of creativity and craftsmanship in liquid form.

Each serve a masterful statement of originality, the curated collection of cocktails – inspired by the art that calls their venue home – have been imagined collaboratively with The Dalmore to explore texture and taste. Just how the highland single malt whisky’s spirit has its genesis in oak, and realises its potential through a convergence of cask and liquid, these limited edition blends are the result of the qualities infused within them.

Curated Excellence is an extension of The Dalmore’s partnership with Mayfair’s No. 9 Cork Street for Frieze Week, which will see the brand present a compelling composition of craft and design on West End Gallery Night (10th October 2024). The showcase celebrates the seamless connection between the worlds of whisky, craft, and design, with a display of masterpieces that epitomise a relentless pursuit of excellence; the quality that these practices share.

Lucy McQueen, UK Brand Manager for The Dalmore, said: “Frieze Week is one of the most anticipated moments in the capital’s art calendar, and we couldn’t be more excited to be collaborating with these incredible bars once again. Accentuating our own presentation at No. 9 Cork Street on West End Gallery Night, the artistry behind these cocktails is second to none, and offer fairgoers the perfect way to embrace the fair.”

Selvi May Akyildiz, Director of No. 9 Cork Street, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with The Dalmore for this year’s celebrations. It’s wonderful to see how our different worlds inspire one another, and we look forward to exploring how the values we share take shape in liquid form.”

Participating Venues
Red Room at The Connaught: Moon Garden & Fall Impression
Moon Garden, which takes inspiration from “The Garden of Illusion” by Tom Stuart-Smith, is served in an R.B. Goblet-Prism glass, using the stirred technique. The base spirit, Dalmore L.2, is complemented by Amontillado Sherry and the intriguing addition of Shitake Mushroom Syrup, adding depth and earthiness. The drink is finished with a spray of Green Mandarin and served with an ice ball with blossom, enhancing and cooling the cocktail without diluting it too quickly.

Created for Frieze Week, Fall Impression took inspiration from our artworks present at the Red Room, and is served in an R.B. Small Coope glass, which also uses the stirred method. The foundation of this cocktail is Dalmore 12-year-old, paired with the refined sweetness of Moscato D’Asticoncentration and the spicy, aromatic kick of Galangal and Abete Bianco. The cocktail is enriched with Cardamom Bitter, giving it warmth and complexity. It is finished with a spray of Orange Flower, which adds a fragrant touch, and garnished with a delicate chocolate leaf for an elegant finish. The cocktail will launch on the 8th of October and will be available until the 27th of October.

Le Magritte Bar at The Beaumont: The Discovery
The Discovery is a sophisticated cocktail that draws inspiration from René Magritte’s surrealist painting “Discovery” (1948), echoing the artwork’s mysterious and layered essence. Featuring the Dalmore 15-year-old whisky, the drink exudes rich, mature flavours, enhanced by coffee liqueur, adding depth and a subtle sweetness. The complexity is elevated with drops of orange and chocolate bitters, creating a harmonious balance of citrus and cocoa notes. Stirred and served over ice, this elegant cocktail is garnished with a chocolate coin, a nod to the luxurious experience it offers. Just as Magritte’s painting invites viewers to look beyond the surface, this cocktail invites you to savour the depth of its nuanced flavours.

Artists’ Bar at The Dorchester: Winter Blossom & Cristal
The Winter Blossom is inspired by the elegant artwork of Amy Judd in the Artist Bar, Winter Blossom is a delicate highball cocktail that blends Dalmore 12YO with lychee liqueur. Two drops of lavender bitters and London Essence Peach & Jasmine soda add fragrant winter floral notes, creating a refined and aromatic whisky drink that perfectly complements the season’s beauty.
The Cristal is all about celebrating the opulence of Lalique glass interiors and Dalmore’s finest spirits, Cristal is a luxurious Old Fashioned-style cocktail. Featuring 60ml of Dalmore Luminary No. 2, a touch of honey syrup, and 10 drops of homemade tea tincture, this drink offers a sophisticated homage to the artistry and craftsmanship behind Dalmore’s exceptional whiskies.

sketch: I Shine, Not Burn
A bold and symbolic creation, the I Shine, Not Burn cocktail features the Dalmore 12, stirred over a block of ice in a rocks glass. Mandarin Napoleon and Indian Spiced Droplets add a citrus and spiced complexity, balanced by Orange Shrub. Garnished with an “Orange Penny,” the drink symbolises the legendary tale of Colin of Kintail, who saved King Alexander from a charging stag—an act commemorated by the stag’s head on every Dalmore bottle. This cocktail is a tribute to standing up for what’s right, much like the suffragettes did in their fight for justice. The cocktail will be available in all rooms at sketch until the 10th of November.