Art & Decadence

The Aesthetic Movement, begun in the latter half of the 19th century, witnessed a change in the subject matter and influences of western art. It gave rise to the Decadent Movement, where ornamentation and the superfluous flourish were prized; iconography and patterns from other cultures were layered in complex compositions, and a new sensuality began to emerge.

This is the era of Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley – abundance, delight and pleasure were art’s watchwords. The dandy was reborn, the peacock became a cultural symbol, and gold was everywhere. Beauty, excess and ornamentation have been our focuses with the extraordinary label and outer packaging for Art & Decadence. A whisky of such decadent flavours merits a decadent design.

Art & Decadence is built on malt whisky from the Balmenach Distillery, finished separately for almost a year in not one but three different ex-wine casks. Madeira, Sauternes and Marsala are all at home with dessert, and they bring succulence, preserved fruit notes and honeyed character to the underlying meaty sweetness of Balmenach.