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Macallan releases oldest whisky to date in very limited release
The Macallan has released its oldest whisky to date – an 84-year-old Scotch – as part of the limited edition TIME : SPACE Collection celebrating its 200 year history. The 1940 vintage has been bottled in the outer chamber of a bespoke dual-chambered circular decanter, alongside one of the newest milestone releases – the first release from its new distillery – contained in the inner chamber.
The TIME : SPACE Collection is described as “representing time travel with the past and future”, while also highlighting the brand’s deep connection to nature and the protection of its future, the brand says.
Only 200 have been created, to reflect The Macallan’s history from two hand selected casks – a first fill American Oak Butt and second fill European Oak Butt – both seasoned with sherry in Jerez de la Frontera and then matured in situ for 84 years in Speyside. The 1940 vintage was bottled at 43.6% ABV, and has matured to a “rich natural colour, exceptional depth and richness and full, long-lasting flavour unique to this rare, aged single malt Scotch whisky”.
Sitting alongside the historic whisky, and as a indicator of the brand’s future, is the milestone 2018 vintage – the first ever whisky from The Macallan’s new distillery.
The circular decanter, which is made xxxx is displayed in a specially designed oak sculpture which accentuates the natural colour of the liquid, with alternate layers of American oak and European oak used in homage to the brand’s commitment to sherry seasoned oak casks.
Kirsteen Campbell, The Macallan’s master whisky maker called it “an absolute privilege” to reach back in time and select stock from the 1940’s to honour and celebrate the brand’s 200 year anniversary.
“As a whisky mastery team, our roles are unique in the sense that we get to time travel – selecting whisky from the past crafted by our predecessors, whilst simultaneously laying down casks for future generations of whisky makers and consumers. To nose, taste and select whisky created over eight decades ago is an exceptionally rare occasion in the life of a whisky maker and one which I will treasure,” she said.
“For the 2018 vintage, the prospect of selecting a younger cask created a lot of excitement in the sample room – it is an opportunity to give others an insight into The Macallan’s future. This marked the first year of production in our new Distillery, which is truly a significant moment to be cherished. Through a fusion of art and science we have ensured the continuity of the character of our whisky.”
The price of the new collection is only available upon application and can only be purchased only through invitation from The Macallan.
The brand has also released a second rare bottling, TIME : SPACE Mastery, a single malt which it says “pays tribute to past whisky masters through a diverse inventory of 14 exceptional oak casks” and which will be available to purchase from The Macallan and via The Macallan Society Ballot in the UK and Europe.
“Inspired by past masters, we have explored the full extent of our warehouses to capture the complex influences of cask seasoning, oak origin, cask size and distillery character in one incredibly special bottle of whisky – with the elegance provided by European Oak sitting at its heart.” Euan Kennedy, lead whisky maker, for TIME : SPACE Mastery said.
The release will be marked by a global marketing campaign, including two short films that highlight the brand’s connection to nature through different characters, animals and plants, as well as outdoor 3D billboards in the UK, US, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, supported with digital and print campaigns.
Jaume Ferras, creative director at The Macallan, said the introduction of the TIME : SPACE Collection was “an incredible way to pay respect to our 200th anniversary by celebrating the significance of those who have come before us” while also symbolising what is to come, “as we build upon our heritage and look to times ahead”.
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