[Image Credit: The Macallan Website]
In the world of whisky, few names evoke as much reverence as The Macallan. Renowned for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, The Macallan has recently unveiled a remarkable and exclusive range of whiskies that pays homage to two foundational pillars of its legacy: Natural Colour and Sherry Seasoning. Enter The Macallan Colour Collection, a stunning testament to the art of whisky-making and artistic collaboration.
A Return of Age Statements: A Global Exclusive
The Macallan Colour Collection is a truly distinctive offering, marking the return of age statements in a collection designed exclusively for the global travel market. Age statements are a cherished tradition among whisky aficionados, signifying not only the whisky's maturity but also the depth and complexity that comes with time.
This exclusive collection is more than just an age statement; it's a celebration of The Macallan's dedication to authenticity, quality, and its storied history of sherry-seasoned oak casks.
David Carson: Crafting Art with Whisky
The Macallan Colour Collection is more than just exceptional whisky; it's a sensory journey that engages both the palate and the eyes. To bring this collection to life, The Macallan enlisted the visionary American artist and graphic designer, David Carson.
David Carson's artistic prowess lies in his ability to distil complexity into a harmonious blend of creativity. His unconventional approach to design has reshaped the industry, and his distinctive style, characterised by freedom, overlapping photos, mixed fonts, and a rejection of conventional grids, has earned him worldwide acclaim.
David Carson's collaboration with The Macallan is a testament to the artistry that underpins both whisky-making and design. His work on the Colour Collection's packaging and campaign artwork captures the essence of The Macallan's natural hues and sherry seasoning, transforming them into visual masterpieces.
Natural Colour and Sherry Seasoning: The Heart of The Macallan
At the heart of The Macallan Colour Collection are two essential elements: Natural Colour and Sherry Seasoning. These elements define the whisky's character and flavour profile, and they are deeply woven into its DNA.
The rich, natural hues of The Macallan's whiskies, from the pale oak of the 12 Years Old to the burnished chestnut of the 30 Years Old, are a testament to its commitment to Natural Colour. These vibrant colours are a result of the whisky's interaction with carefully selected oak wood during years of maturation.
Sherry Seasoning, another vital element, imparts signature qualities, aromas, and depth to The Macallan's whiskies. The casks used are seasoned with sherry in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, infusing the whisky with the essence of this renowned wine region.
The Macallan Colour Collection
Colour Collection 12 Years Old
ABV : 40% | VOLUME : 700ML
The Macallan's Colour Collection is a tribute to their unwavering commitment to the interplay of Natural Colour and Sherry Seasoning in crafting exceptional whisky. The Colour Collection proudly introduces the 12 Years Old expression, a single malt whisky that marries the influence of American oak casks with a subtle touch of European oak.
The oak casks chosen for The Macallan Colour Collection 12 Years Old are seasoned with sherry wine from the renowned Jerez de la Frontera region in Spain. As the youngest whisky in this collection, it boasts the lightest Natural Colour, displaying a radiant golden oak hue. When savoured, it reveals tasting notes that include sweet oak, hints of lemon, and subtle nuances of vanilla.
This exquisite offering is exclusively available for travellers and will be found at The Macallan Global Boutiques, select airports, and duty-free locations worldwide starting from September 2023.
The Colours of Jerez: A Visual Journey
With shades reminiscent of lemon yellow, chalky white, "albero," and "teja," along with a depiction of a sherry grape vine, The Macallan's Colour Collection transports us to the captivatingly pale terroir of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
This artistic endeavour was a collaboration with the renowned Artist and Graphic Designer, David Carson. He employed albariza soil as his medium, applying it to the canvas as though it were paint. Adjacent to the 12 Years Old expression, we find Easter Elchies House, a symbol of The Macallan's Spiritual Home in Speyside, Scotland.
Colour Collection 15 Years Old
ABV : 43% | VOLUME : 70CL
The Macallan's Colour Collection is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the interplay of Natural Colour and Sherry Seasoning in creating exceptional whisky. Within this collection, the 15 Years Old expression takes centre stage, a whisky that has matured in American oak casks, artfully enhanced with a touch of European oak.
The oak casks chosen for The Macallan Colour Collection 15 Years Old undergo seasoning with sherry wine from the renowned Jerez de la Frontera region in Spain.
This exquisite whisky reveals a palate enriched with notes of citrus, vanilla, and baked peaches, all while boasting a natural beech colour. This captivating hue is the result of the intricate dance between The Macallan's new make spirit and the exceptional oak casks, a partnership that has flourished over the years.
Starting from August 2023, this exceptional product will be available for travellers at retail stores in airports across the globe.
The Colours of Jerez: An Artistic Interpretation
Warmth radiates from this piece, with soft orange brushstrokes reminiscent of the orchards of Jerez de la Frontera. This warmth is mirrored in the wave pattern, thoughtfully designed by Artist and Graphic Designer David Carson, which echoes the shade of the whisky and the bottle itself.
Carson's artistic composition, characterised by its rich collage of sliced and torn forms and typography, is quintessentially his style. He has left an indelible mark on the graphic design industry by challenging the conventional notion that text and images must adhere to a predetermined grid.
Colour Collection 18 Years Old
ABV : 43% | VOLUME : 70CL
Within The Macallan's illustrious Colour Collection, the 18 Years Old expression shines as a testament to the distillery's unwavering dedication to the interplay of Natural Colour and Sherry Seasoning in crafting exceptional whisky. This remarkable whisky has gracefully matured in American oak casks, with a gentle influence from European oak.
The oak casks selected for The Macallan Colour Collection 18 Years Old undergo the exquisite process of seasoning with sherry wine sourced from the revered Jerez de la Frontera region in Spain.
When savoured, this exceptional whisky unfolds a palate rich with flavours of vanilla, milk chocolate, orange, and honeycomb. It displays a natural, auburn hue—a testament to the harmonious relationship that has developed over the years between The Macallan's new make spirit and these exceptional oak casks.
Starting from August 2023, this exceptional product will be available to travellers at retail stores in airports worldwide.
The Vibrant Palette of Jerez: An Artistic Rendition
Through 18 years of patient maturation, this whisky has artfully drawn out the essence of the cask. The American oak contributes notes of lemon citrus and vanilla, while the European oak imparts hints of dried fruits, spices, and orange citrus. The sherry seasoning lends touches of almonds, toffee, dried fruit, and a subtle spice. The result is a captivating flavour profile that combines sweetness with citrusy notes, with dominant accents of sweet oak, clementine, and honeycomb.
In this artistic endeavour, Artist and Graphic Designer David Carson captures the warmth of the evening sun as it bathes the "teja" tiles adorning the bodegas' roofs in Jerez de la Frontera. Set against a backdrop of vineyards nestled in chalk-white soil, it creates the perfect ambiance to savour a dram of The Macallan's exquisite whisky.
Colour Collection 21 Years Old
ABV : 43% | VOLUME : 70CL
The Macallan's esteemed Colour Collection continues to celebrate the harmonious marriage of Natural Colour and Sherry Seasoning with the introduction of the 21 Years Old expression. This exceptional whisky has gracefully matured in American oak casks, subtly enriched by the influence of European oak.
For The Macallan Colour Collection 21 Years Old, carefully selected oak casks undergo the exquisite process of seasoning with sherry wine sourced from the revered Jerez de la Frontera region in Spain.
Upon tasting, this remarkable whisky unfolds a symphony of flavours, including tropical fruits, coffee, hazelnuts, and dark chocolate orange. Its natural, warm bronze colour beautifully represents the years of collaboration between The Macallan's new make spirit and these exceptional oak casks.
Starting from August 2023, this exceptional product will be available to travellers at retail stores in airports worldwide.
The Vivid Palette of Jerez: An Artistic Interpretation
In a remarkable artistic interpretation, Artist and Graphic Designer David Carson brilliantly brings forth the influence of the cask. He does so through a palette of rich brown tones that evoke the essence of wood and its toasted, caramelised flavours, with a subtle hint of spice.
Within this organic yet balanced composition, colours, patterns, and textures playfully juxtapose each other, creating a tangible sense of the whisky's complexity and balance.
Amidst the vibrant splashes of colour, one can discern chocolate browns, orange and reddish-brown hues that seamlessly reflect the whisky's tasting notes of warm spice, vanilla pods, and chocolate orange. Additionally, a bright yellow element harkens to the notes of cardamom and candied ginger that linger delightfully on the palate.
Colour Collection 30 Years Old
ABV : 43% | VOLUME : 700ML
The Macallan's esteemed Colour Collection continues to pay homage to the harmonious fusion of Natural Colour and Sherry Seasoning with the introduction of the 30 Years Old expression. This extraordinary whisky has gracefully matured in American oak casks, gently complemented by the influence of European oak.
For The Macallan Colour Collection 30 Years Old, the chosen oak casks undergo the meticulous process of seasoning with sherry wine from the esteemed Jerez de la Frontera region in Spain.
Upon indulgence, this remarkable whisky unveils an orchestra of flavours, including tropical fruits, almond, cinnamon, nutmeg, and crystallised lemon peel. Its natural, deep chestnut hue beautifully embodies the culmination of years of collaboration between The Macallan's new make spirit and these exceptional oak casks.
Commencing from August 2023, this exceptional offering will be accessible to travellers at retail outlets in airports across the globe.
The Vibrant Palette of Jerez: An Artistic Impression
Years of maturation in The Macallan's exceptional oak casks have imparted a profound flavour profile characterised by wood spice, tropical fruit, and crème brûlée. This complex essence finds artistic expression through the visionary work of Artist and Graphic Designer David Carson.
Carson masterfully captures this essence through juxtaposed cutouts of wood grain, stippled orange paint, and vibrant yellow brushstrokes. In the foreground, the 30 Years Old whisky stands resplendent, crowned by a burgundy cap that alludes to the wine influence evident in this age statement and throughout The Colour Collection.
Watch and Learn More About The Colour Collection
A Harmonious Blend of Artistry and Craftsmanship
The Macallan Colour Collection is more than just whisky; it's an experience that combines the artistry of David Carson with the craftsmanship of The Macallan's master distillers. This collaboration brings to life the intricate relationship between wood and whisky, creating a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary.
David Carson's ability to understand and reflect The Macallan's ethos – the dedication, the pride, the attention to detail, and the creativity involved in crafting exceptional whisky – makes him the perfect partner for this exciting venture.
In a world where tradition and innovation coalesce, The Macallan Colour Collection is a testament to the enduring legacy of this distinguished distillery. It's an invitation to savour the vivid colours, the rich aromas, and the unparalleled depth of flavour that define The Macallan. With each sip, you're not just tasting whisky; you're immersing yourself in a world where artistry and craftsmanship come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Read more on the Macallan website.
About The Macallan Distillery
The Macallan, a name that resonates with whisky connoisseurs around the world, is an iconic Scottish distillery renowned for its commitment to excellence and craftsmanship. Situated in the picturesque Speyside region, The Macallan Distillery has become a symbol of the region's rich whisky-making heritage. Founded in 1824, this distillery has a storied history of producing some of the most sought-after single malt Scotch whiskies.
The Macallan's whisky portfolio encompasses a wide range of expressions, each carefully crafted to cater to diverse palates and preferences. From the approachable and smooth Sherry Oak series to the bold and complex expressions in the Fine Oak and Double Cask ranges, The Macallan offers a whisky for every occasion and taste.
Age statements are a hallmark of The Macallan's offerings, signifying the depth and complexity that come with maturation. Whiskies like The Macallan 12-Year-Old and The Macallan 18-Year-Old are celebrated for their elegance and character, while limited editions and rare releases have become highly sought-after collector's items, commanding attention on the global whisky stage.
The Macallan's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is also noteworthy. The distillery has implemented eco-friendly initiatives, from reducing energy consumption to responsibly managing water resources, ensuring that their legacy is not just about exceptional whisky but also about stewardship of the land.
The Macallan is more than a distillery; it's a symbol of whisky-making artistry, tradition, and innovation. It's a journey through time and taste, where every sip tells a story of dedication, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of perfection. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, The Macallan remains an enduring emblem of excellence in the world of single malt Scotch whisky.
