The Macallan has unveiled The Macallan M Collection, a range of limited-edition single malt Scotch whiskies that celebrate the brand’s Six Pillars. The Six Pillars are the foundation stones that explain the distillery’s approach to whisky and comprise “natural color, mastery, curiously small spirit stills, the estate, exceptional oak casks, and sherry seasoning,” says a press release.
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 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.
- 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
- ABV: 45%
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 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 brand’s classic character with an unexpected peated note, resulting in a complex single malt to savor.
- 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
- ABV: 46%
The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release
M Copper is an ode to the Small Spirit Stills that remain key to crafting The Macallan’s whisky. 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.
- Nose: Sweet banana, pear and white peach combined with malty biscuit, marshmallow and vanilla with a hint of citrus lemon.
- Palate: Pear drops, caramelized banana and sherbet, developing into malt and spiced oak
- Finish: Long, smooth toasted oak
- ABV: 42%
Visually representing the Six Pillars, the decanters are created in collaboration with 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 outer packaging also denoting the Six Pillars and sustainably sourced in Scotland.
“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,” said Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique. “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 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.
“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,” commented Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director for The Macallan. “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 is priced at $6,750, The Macallan M Black 2022 Release comes in at $7,750, and The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release costs $8,500.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Last month, The Macallan unveiled The Harmony Collection Fine Cacao, a follow up to last year’s Rich Cacao.
In April, it launched Distil Your World New York, a limited-edition single malt whisky that captures the essence of The City That Never Sleeps.
