The Macallan has unveiled The Macallan M Collection, a range of limited release single malt whiskies which celebrates the brand’s acclaimed Six Pillars. The Six Pillars are the foundation stones that account for The Macallan’s distinctive and exceptional whiskies and comprise Natural Color, Mastery, Curiously Small Spirit Stills, The Estate, Exceptional Oak Casks and Sherry Seasoning.
The Macallan M Collection features an array of colors embodying these unique attributes and reflecting the emotions that drive the brand. The first three expressions are the 2022 editions of the previously released M and M Black and the brand-new M Copper, which pays tribute to the unique copper stills utilized by The Macallan since it was founded in 1824.
- The Macallan M 2022 Release
M embodies Natural Color, a result of The Macallan’s commitment to craftsmanship and its dedication to using the finest, 100% natural ingredients and exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks. A rare spirit epitomizing the idea of transparency, the whisky glistens in a handcrafted Lalique crystal decanter.
Matured in a small number of hand-selected casks, M proudly showcases The Macallan’s rich natural color, while the transparent decanter reflects honesty as there is no artificial coloring. With a rich amber hue, M reveals the distillery’s classic sherry seasoned, full-flavored character imparting notes of chocolate, rich dried fruit and spice.
- The Macallan M Black 2022 Release
M Black represents The Macallan’s dedication to Mastery and unwavering trust in its craft. Rare, black ended casks holding peated spirit have been meticulously selected by the Whisky Mastery Team who have continued to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship to create this unique expression.
The spirit matured in the sherry seasoned oak casks has gathered depth and distinction over time and the handcrafted Lalique black crystal decanter reflects the peat smoke within the whisky and the confidence which drives The Macallan as the whisky makers boldly marry classic Macallan notes with peated whisky. A subtly smoky expression, it displays a rich natural color of golden sunrise and is a harmonious balance of The Macallan’s classic character with an unexpected peated note, resulting in a complex single malt to savor.
- The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release
M Copper is an ode to the Curiously Small Spirit Stills that remain key to crafting The Macallan’s precious spirit to this day. One of the defining features of the distillation process, they represent a pivotal moment in whisky-making history as when most moved to larger, higher production copper stills, The Macallan focused on exceptional quality. Their distinctive shape and size help to concentrate the new make spirit, creating the rich, robust character.
With a natural color of spun gold, M Copper is a vibrant and elegant expression which brings the flavors created in the stills to the fore. It has a buttery, viscous mouth coating and is bursting in fruitiness with a hint of sweet malty flavor. A handcrafted Lalique copper colored crystal decanter represents the stills and reflects the authenticity which drives the brand through its dedication to innovative methods.
Visually representing the Six Pillars, the decanters are beautiful masterpieces created in collaboration with renowned creative director, Fabien Baron and French crystal maker Lalique. Envisioned by Baron, they feature six facets while Lalique has drawn on over 130 years of mastery to bring refinement and flawless clarity. The decanters are encased in exquisite outer packaging also denoting the Six Pillars and sustainably sourced in Scotland.
Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, said: “It is an honor to work with The Macallan – our long-standing partner for 16 years – to realize this exquisite collection and showcase our shared sense of mastery, craftsmanship and heritage. The decanters are completely unique in the world of decanters, very difficult to produce because of their shape and Lalique’s masters of crystal have relished applying their most complex skills to bring Fabien Baron’s creative vision to life.”
The Macallan has also worked with renowned luxury fashion photographer and creative visionary Nick Knight, to create a series of photography and film in his abstract and expressionistic style. Knight’s imagery captures the collection in blocks of ice as a homage to The Macallan’s intrinsic connection to nature and the River Spey which runs through The Macallan Estate.
Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director for The Macallan, said: “Our Six Pillars foundation stones embody all that is unique to The Macallan, together underpinning the renowned quality and rich character of our whisky and The Macallan M Collection tells the story of these unique attributes. We are dedicated to uncompromised excellence, and proud to collaborate with Fabien Baron and Lalique to bring these extraordinary expressions to life, and with Nick Knight to create a dramatic visual world for the collection.”
The Macallan M Collection will begin to roll-out worldwide starting on June 20, 2022 in both domestic and travel retail markets including The Macallan Estate, The Macallan Airport Boutiques, select luxury hotels, bars and premium retailers. For each 750ml decanter, The Macallan M 2022 Release has an SRP of $6,750, The Macallan M Black 2022 Release has an SRP of $7,750, and The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release has an SRP of $8,500.
