In a first for both the fashion world and the distilling industry, Glenmorangie Scotch whisky will upcycle its aged wooden casks into a unique line of luxury sunglasses designed and handcrafted by Finlay & Co., a premium British manufacturer of wooden-framed lenses. The design partnership is an unusual one, but it makes perfectly good sense—after all, wood is what gives whisky its style, imparting character and nuance. And Glenmorangie uses its casks just twice, so this is a particularly stylish way to recycle.
Once the 20-year old casks have done their job aging two separate batches of 10-year-old Glenmorangie whisky, the oak wood is re-harvested in London by Finlay & Co. to be carved into bespoke sunglasses. The natural grain of the wood makes each individually-numbered pair unique. Personal engraving is also offered as an add-on. “The appreciation of wood is really central both to Finlay & Co. and to Glenmorangie,” says David Lochhead, Managing Director of Finlay & Co. “There’s a real beauty to the American Oak that Glenmorangie uses for its casks. It’s a thrill to strip this wood down and reveal the unique grain on every individual pair.”
The frames represent the marriage of two brands that are admired for fastidious craftsmanship. Coincidentally, Finlay & Co. takes 16 steps to hand-craft each pair of glasses, while Glenmorangie is renowned for its 16 Men of Tain, the renown Highland whisky-makers who’ve guarded Glenmorangie's trade secrets for generations. It’s a wonderfully simpatico collaboration.
Finlay & Co.’s Glenmorangie sunglasses are available online and priced at $450.
