Edrington Group has unveiled The Macallan M Collection 2022, a range of limited release single malt whiskies. The latest collection in the series is available in travel retail at The Macallan’s airport boutiques and through key retail partners from today (21 September).
The company said that the range celebrates the brand’s ‘Six Pillars’ – Natural Colour, Mastery, Curiously Small Spirit Stills, The Estate, Exceptional Oak Casks and Sherry Seasoning – which account for its distinctive flavour.
The Macallan M Collection features an array of colours embodying these attributes. The first three expressions are the 2022 editions of M and M Black and the new M Copper, which pays tribute to the unique copper stills used by The Macallan since it was founded in 1824.
- The Macallan M 2022 Release
M embodies Natural Colour, reflecting The Macallan’s “commitment to craftsmanship and dedication to using the finest, 100% natural ingredients and sherry seasoned oak casks”. It has matured in a small number of hand-selected casks and is encased in a handcrafted Lalique crystal decanter showcasing the whisky’s natural rich amber hue.
- The Macallan M Black 2022 Release
M Black represents The Macallan’s “dedication to Mastery”. Rare, black ended sherry seasoned oak casks holding peated spirit have been selected by the Whisky Mastery Team to create the expression. The handcrafted Lalique black crystal decanter reflects the peat smoke within the whisky.
- The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release
M Copper reflects the Curiously Small Spirit Stills that are a defining feature of The Macallan’s distillation process. The distinctive shape and size of its stills “help to concentrate the new make spirit, creating the rich, robust character”, said the company.
Edrington Global Travel Retail Regional Managing Director Jeremy Speirs commented: “The Macallan M Collection has long been a distinctive and highly collectible part of The Macallan’s prestige offer in travel retail. With the addition to the range of the stunning new M Copper, we are further underlining the collectability of The Macallan while shining a spotlight on our curiously small stills and the role they play in creating our iconic spirit.”
Visually representing the Six Pillars, the decanters are created in collaboration with renowned creative director Fabien Baron and French crystal maker Lalique.
To mark the launch of the collection, The Macallan has worked with luxury fashion photographer Nick Knight to create a series of photography and film in his abstract and expressionistic style.
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. The Macallan M Collection tells the story of these unique attributes and our dedication to uncompromised excellence.”
Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, added: “It is an honour to work with The Macallan – our long-standing partner for 16 years – to realise 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.”
For each 70cl decanter, The Macallan M 2022 Release has an RRSP of US$6,750 / £5,000, The Macallan M Black 2022 Release has an RRSP of US$7,600 / £5,700 and The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release has an RRSP of US$8,500 / £6,250.
Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan M 2022 Release
ABV: 45%
Nose: Sweet black cherry and demerara sugar with a sensorial mix of polished oak and leather, softened with hints of indulgent chocolate and vanilla.
Palate: Herbal notes of liquorice and tea leaves combined with smooth crème anglaise and chocolate orange with a hint of wood spice.
Finish: Rich dried fruit and decadent dark chocolate.
The Macallan M Black 2022 Release
ABV: 46%
Nose: Fresh apple, pear and citrus combined with sweet dates developing into a subtle light peat.
Palate: Candied oranges, charred peaches and honeyed fig combined with sultana, decadent dark chocolate, emerging into a warming peat and spiced ginger.
Finish: Long peat smoke and sweet raisin.
The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release
ABV: 42%
Nose: Sweet banana, pear and white peach combined with malty biscuit, marshmallow and vanilla with a hint of citrus lemon.
Palate: Pear drops, caramelised banana and sherbet, developing into malt and spiced oak.
Finish: Long, smooth toasted oak.
