Design Maestro Philippe Starck to Reshape Mortlach Whisky’s Future

Speyside Distillery Mortlach’s Creative Leap

Speyside’s esteemed Mortlach Distillery has made a bold move by appointing the renowned French designer Philippe Starck as its inaugural creative director.

Starck, a titan in the European design sphere, boasts an illustrious portfolio spanning interior designs, architecture, furniture, and even vehicles. His signature use of vibrant colors, unconventional shapes, and diverse materials, paired with a philosophy of creating designs that are both affordable and mass-production friendly, sets him apart in the design world.

Spring 2024 marks the anticipated debut of the first Mortlach x Philippe Starck collection. This groundbreaking collaboration was unveiled at a special event in Miami, conceptualized by Starck himself, with support from event production agency Bureau Betak and acclaimed French chef Yann Nury.

Reflecting on his new role, Starck commented, “Mortlach, born from the genius of Alexander Cowie, has always been a pioneer, consistently venturing into new realms and creating whiskies that are rich in character without unnecessary frills. This resonated with me profoundly, as Mortlach’s forward-thinking ethos mirrors the future. The distillery’s evolution now propels into modernity, harmonizing the elegance of nature and the wonder of science for humanity’s benefit.”

Adding to the excitement, Pedro Mendonça, Diageo’s Global Reserve Managing Director, expressed, “We are thrilled to have Philippe Starck, a visionary in contemporary creation, join Mortlach. This marks his first foray into the Scotch whisky arena. Together, we aim to soar to new creative zeniths, redefining whisky for a new generation and reshaping Mortlach’s spirit.”