The Macallan has named world-renowned portrait and fashion photographer Mario Testino as its fifth Master of Photography. For the first time in the award-winning series, the foundation stones of The Macallan, known as The Six Pillars, are brought to life through the photographer’s lens in ‘The Power of Six’.
The Macallan Masters of Photography: Mario Testino edition will be available worldwide from US$3,500. In European travel retail, 31 bottles will be available across locations including London Heathrow, Moscow Sheremetyevo and Moscow Domodedovo, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol and St Petersburg among others.
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“˜The Power of Six’ celebrates The Macallan’s heritage through the charaterisation of The Six Pillars. Testino captured the spirit of a party scene by bringing together a group of distinct characters in his trademark luxury style. |
The Masters of Photography: Mario Testino Edition brings together six different casks to showcase the complexity of the whisky. Each cask is said to represent one of the Six Pillars – Spiritual Home, Curiously Small Stills, Finest Cut, Exceptional Oak Casks, Natural Colour and Peerless Spirit – with its own distinctive character, flavour and aroma. Combined, they create a single malt with “unparalleled depth, darkness and diversity,” said the brand owner.
The Macallan Master Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno selected the six casks from over 200,000 which are maturing at the distillery to create the limited edition expression.
Each of the 1,000 Mario Testino Editions for sale around the world – of which there are four variations, each featuring one of Testino’s shots – are presented in a glossy, black lacquered presentation box, designed in partnership with the photographer. It is said to have been inspired by the elegance and cultural heritage of traditional lacquer boxes in Asia. Each box is individually numbered and features a hidden compartment housing miniatures of the six whiskies which were combined to create the Testino Edition. The box also contains one bottle of the single malt whisky along with an exclusive photo booklet featuring 20 images shot by Testino for the project.
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Each box features a hidden compartment containing miniatures of the six whiskies combined to create the Testino Edition. It also holds one bottle of the single malt whisky along with an exclusive photo booklet featuring Testino’s work. |
The photographs, shot in a former palace in Beijing, are described as showcasing the vibrancy and luxury of The Macallan world. Testino said of the images: “Whisky was the choice of drink in my country during the years I was growing up. When I was approached by The Macallan to take part in the Masters of Photography Series I decided to capture the moment when people get together to celebrate, in the atmosphere of a whisky environment – a whisky club!”
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The Macallan’s Curiously Small Stills, the smallest on Speyside, are one of The Six Pillars. They are illustrated by the small Chinese Crested Dog in these images. |
The Macallan Director – Malts Ken Grier said: “As one of the world’s truly great whiskies, we seek to collaborate with the best photographers in the world. Not just those who have the technical ability, but something more. The Macallan Masters of Photography is about the personal touch; we work with photographers with whom we have a shared passion to create beautiful collectables.”
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The Moodie Report sampled The Masters of Photography: Mario Testino Edition at the launch party, held at The Ritz in London. |
Grier added: “Mario’s emotional engagement coupled with the level of his creative involvement, heralds an evolution of the role of the Master in the Masters of Photography series, one which has brought about an exciting visual celebration of our fundamental Six Pillars.
“Not only is he a historically important giant in contemporary photography, his elegance, charm and gentlemanly approach to creating this ultimate party has made him both a joy and an inspiration to work with.”
Speaking to The Moodie Report at the launch of the edition at The Ritz Hotel in London, Grier was positive about The Macallan’s performance over the past year, citing particularly strong growth in Asia. Travel retail exclusive Macallan Oscuro was highlighted as a particular success, along with the M Decanter which sold out in the channel.
Grier noted that demand for super-premium whiskies remains intact and praised the travel retail channel for the access it provides to high net worth individuals.
