ARTIST
The Artist project was launched in 2011 by La Maison & Velier as a series of independent bottlings of exceptional single malts . From the outset, the collection has distinguished itself through a rigorous selection of micro-lots , most often from single casks , bottled at cask strength and meeting uncompromising quality standards.
Through this approach, the independent bottler highlights emerging distilleries which, in less than twenty years, have established themselves as true benchmarks in their respective countries — in Japan , India , Taiwan , Australia , Wales , but also in France .
However, the Artist series goes far beyond simply selecting whiskies. From its inception, the concept was decidedly innovative: to combine exceptional spirits with contemporary art , entrusting the design of each bottle to an emerging visual artist . The ambition was clear: to evoke an immediate emotion , even before considering the contents of the bottle.
As the collection prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary , the world of whisky has profoundly evolved. True to its DNA, La Maison & Velier continues its commitment to artistic creation, while now collaborating with more established artists . Drawing on its experience, the selection process is no longer based solely on intuition: it is now about choosing the artist whose world resonates most strongly with each project.
When the series was launched in 2011, La Maison & Velier relied on independent bottlers , finding an ideal partner in Signatory Vintage . This Scottish bottler and selector offered them privileged access to a vast selection of single casks , directly from their warehouses—a practice that has become virtually impossible today. The scarcity of older whiskies, particularly those over twenty years old, has profoundly transformed the market.
Subsequently, the project evolved towards direct collaborations with distilleries such as Benromach, Chichibu, Kornog, Kavalan, and Sullivan's Cove , as well as with major groups like Pernod Ricard for the Strathisla distillery. These partnerships significantly expanded the network and opened up new opportunities.
Starting with series no. 10 , marked by an international project with Chichibu , La Maison & Velier gradually moved towards co-bottling , exploring projects previously unseen by independent bottlers. The idea of a dual approach then emerged: a classic range , dedicated to Scottish distilleries , and a specific range , designed to highlight young distilleries from around the world .
The success of the tenth edition redefined the Artist series and led to a new dynamic: henceforth, two projects are launched each year — one dedicated to Scottish distilleries, the other to a single distillery or producer outside of Scotland. Read less
