A Shared Philosophy

‘Great-quality whisky has always been experienced through the senses. The colour of the spirit, the aromas on the nose, the flavour profile, and the texture, something we call mouthfeel, are all vital components. Each of these elements is carefully considered throughout the whisky-making process,’ explains Fraser. As a master blender, he knows what he is talking about. With a background in organic chemistry, Fraser was lured away from pharmaceuticals to whisky blending. Working with major brands, he is now Master Blender for Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits.

Fraser’s latest project is the launch of the Bowmore Captivo Collection. ‘Bowmore is the Scottish island of Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, with its whiskies crafted through generations of expertise spanning almost 250 years. Craftsmanship has always been fundamental to Bowmore’s approach to whisky-making and remains something whisky drinkers are deeply interested in,’ he explains.

This focus on craft led Bowmore to collaborate with Snarkitecture on the design for Captivo’s bottles and packaging. ‘Material and form can create intrigue or anticipation as you approach an object or space. We're drawn to things that don't give everything away at once; you have to spend time with them to find what's there. That's the idea behind our design for the Bowmore Captivo Collection,’ explains Mustonen of Snarkitecture.

As this collaboration progressed, Fraser became fascinated by the parallels between Mustonen’s approach to craft and the process of making whisky. ‘He drew inspiration from Bowmore’s home in Islay, its wild, island landscape and the hidden depths of the distillery, translating these influences into the portal designs, which invite people on a journey of discovery and encourage them to look beyond the surface,’ explains Fraser.

For both Fraser and Mustonen, the collaboration revealed just how much their two disciplines have in common. ‘Bowmore and Snarkitecture share a meticulous and intentional approach to their work, with both encouraging people to look beyond the surface and discover something more. That shared philosophy is brilliantly expressed through Mustonen’s vivid designs. The whiskies also mirror this; each has its own story to tell and offers a window into Bowmore’s world, created decades ago, yet experienced in the present,’ says Fraser.

This close affinity will be explored further in a conversation held on 13 September at the V&A, beginning with a complimentary tasting of one of the newly released expressions from the Captivo Collection by Bowmore, one of the world’s most collectable single malts. ‘I want to share stories of the cask exploration and provenance that shaped the Bowmore Captivo Collection. Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage explores the influence of oak, while Sherry Cask Pursuit reveals Bowmore’s deeper relationship with sherry-seasoned casks,’ says Fraser.

Fraser and Mustonen’s conversation will also dissect the way that dedication to craft is often a unifying thread that runs through good design. For Mustonen, ‘design and craft directly shape what an object or space makes you feel. The design, the discovery, and the whisky itself become parts of one sensory journey.’ Fraser agrees: ‘Alex and I realised that our crafts share a similar approach. In our fast-paced world, I think it’s increasingly important that we take the time to be curious, explore and find moments simply to enjoy. For me, both whisky and design offer just that.’

Words by Tamsin Kingswell