What Does The World’s Oldest Single Malt Have In Common With a Visionary Architect?
DESIGN
JEANNE GANG IS Showing US
5 MINS READ TIME
WORDS BY IGEE OKAFOR
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF Gordon & MacPhail
85 years ago, a very special whisky was made. It sat quietly in barrels, getting older and older, while the world kept spinning outside. Now, the world’s oldest single malt is finally stepping into the spotlight, and it’s got a secret helper: Jeanne Gang, a famous architect who can turn anything into a story you can see. Together with Gordon & MacPhail, she’s revealing the magic hidden inside this ancient bottle.
Titled “Artistry in Oak,” the piece remoulds whisky as art, celebrating both the spirit’s history and the craft that nurtured it. Jeanne Gang’s design draws inspiration from nature itself. Four bronze branches hold the glass decanter, reflecting the oak casks that carefully matured the whisky over eight and a half decades. The result is a sculpture tributed to patience, growth, and craftsmanship.
Both Gordon & Macphail and Jeanne Gang are shaped by time and craft. one matured for 85 years in oak casks, the other honed through a lifetime of observing nature and turning its forms into art.
Only 125 decanters exist worldwide, each priced at £125,000. it’s a rare invitation to hold history in your hands.
For Jeanne Gang, designing the decanter was about more than aesthetics. it was about capturing the life and spirit of whisky itself. She drew inspiration from the oak trees whose wood nurtures the whisky over decades. Bronze was chosen not only for its strength, but for the way it gracefully transforms over time, developing a warm patina that mirrors the whisky’s character.
Beyond its form, Jeanne Gang hopes the decanter carries a deeper message about patience, care, and respect for the natural world. In a time when the planet’s resources feel fragile, she envisions this project as a reminder of the value of thoughtful creation: working with nature, honoring time, and nurturing balance. “If we create something new, we should think about its longevity to ensure that what we produce can stand the test of time and even improve with time,” she explains.
Every branch, every curve, every choice of material speaks to this philosophy: making something that doesn’t just exist for the moment, but grows richer and more meaningful with age.
Just as her architecture strives to reduce harm and foster harmony with nature, the decanter reflects the same ethos: thoughtful materials, enduring design, and a deep respect for the forces of nature and time. the decanter is more than a singular work of art for Jeanne gang. it embodies the values that guide her entire practice. Her work is embedded in creating a positive impact on both people and the planet.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
THIS TRANSCRIPT HAS BEEN EDITED FOR BREVITY.
