The Macallan has introduced Home Collection – The Distillery, the first edition in a new annual release series from the single malt brand, inspired by the natural beauty of The Macallan Estate.
It is available from mid-August exclusively from The Macallan Estate Boutique, The Macallan Boutiques in travel retail, domestic and e-boutiques, priced at US$250, £200 or €230.
Located on the banks of the River Spey, the 485-acre Macallan Estate has been farmed since 1543. In 1700, The Macallan pioneer Captain John Grant transformed the land into a community with the construction of Easter Elchies House, with schoolteacher Alexander Reid establishing the Distillery in 1824. The series celebrates the origins of the brand.
The Macallan Home Collection – The Distillery, the first release in the new series, has been created to showcase The Macallan’s distillery, which opened in 2018. Designed by architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, it incorporates an undulating roof covered in grass and wildflowers to reflect the surrounding scenic hills.
The whisky is crafted from a combination of European and American oak casks and refill casks. The bottle is presented in a pack featuring a watercolour painting depicting the distillery by local artist Colin Rizza, who is also a long-standing worker at The Macallan. His family have strong ties to The Macallan, having worked there for over three decades, and both he and his son still work at the distillery.
The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan said: “Being part of the 200-year history and heritage of whisky-making at The Macallan distillery is a truly unique experience. Every day we have the privilege of working in the most remarkable location, knowing that we still use the same time-honoured skills and traditions employed by generations of our predecessors, and at the same time building on their legacy for the future.
“The Macallan Home Collection – The Distillery describes sensorially the passion and pride we feel in our wonderful spiritual home. A gentle floral note gives a subtle nod to the beautiful landscape that forms The Macallan Estate, while the rich finish reflects the warm welcome that awaits here in the heart of Speyside.”
Colin Rizza said: “Our family is one of many that has long been intertwined with The Macallan. We feel a deep sense of belonging to The Macallan Estate and it’s an honour to have my artwork featured on the packaging of the first edition in the Home Collection.”
Rizza, who acquired his first set of oil paints when he was eight years old, has had a lifelong interest in art and regularly produces watercolour landscapes, oil portraits and coloured ink caricatures. His talent has long been admired by The Macallan community and over the years he has been commissioned to design various artworks, including caricatures of The Macallan partners, the Roca brothers of El Celler de Can Roca.
For his latest collaboration with The Macallan, he spent many hours studying the distillery and its beautiful surroundings. He took dozens of photographs, distilling it down to its simplest form and exploring it through the medium of watercolour.
Edrington Global Travel Retail Regional Managing Director Jeremy Speirs commented: “Central to our vision for The Macallan Boutiques in travel retail is allowing more consumers around the world to connect with the brand’s home in Speyside. With the launch of The Macallan Home Collection exclusively in select boutiques, we continue to build on that vision with a new series which is inspired by the natural beauty of The Macallan Estate. We’re confident this series will resonate strongly with global shoppers looking to explore the stories and heritage behind The Macallan in a beautiful, highly collectible format.”
Whisky Maker’s Notes
The Macallan Home Collection – The Distillery features a deep gold colour, with a delicate, complex nose, sweet spice and mellowing palate before delivering a rich, medium finish.
ABV: 43.5%
Colour: Deep gold
Nose: Butterscotch, figs, dates, almond, polished oak, milk chocolate and a gentle floral note.
Palate: Butterscotch, oak spice, then ginger and vanilla.
Finish: Medium finish with ginger and oak.
