THE MACALLAN RELEASES NEW COLLECTION TO CELEBRATE
THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JAMES BOND FILM FRANCHISE
The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release has been unveiled to mark The Six Decades of James Bond films.
The remarkable collection comprises six limited edition bottles encasing a single malt whisky in unique packs, each featuring an original illustrative design and colour to denote the decade it represents. The distinctive packaging brings to life the creative development process of the films in a behind the scenes exploration of the James Bond archives.
A celebration of 007 and The Macallan as modern innovators linked by their Scottish heritage, the release showcases a timeless and graceful spirit balanced by incredible strength and depth of character.
The exceptional single malt whisky has been created by The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell to reflect the enduring character of James Bond, a force of nature defined by his Scottish heritage, who carries himself with modesty and humility. Like James Bond, the expression exudes a sense of style and maturity which has evolved over the years. It has a natural colour of Suisse gold and an ABV of 43.7% as an homage to James Bond’s agent number, 007 and is consistent across all six packs in the collection.
The distinct set tells the story of innovation over 60 years and the pioneering character attributes of James Bond and The Macallan.
Scotland is renowned for its inventors and 007’s gadgets are a hallmark of the films’ popularity, while The Macallan has unwavering character, deep roots, and a continuous pursuit to innovate.
James Bond’s roots are unmistakeably British – his heritage Scottish – yet he is the very definition of a man of the world. Born to a Scottish father, Andrew Bond from Glencoe and a Swiss mother, Monique Delacroix from the Canton de Vaud, he spent much of his childhood at Skyfall Lodge – his family’s Scottish Estate in Glencoe.
In recent years, The Macallan has become James Bond’s whisky of choice, reflecting his appreciation for the finer things in life. They have shared many moments together on screen, including in Skyfall when James Bond drinks The Macallan Fine & Rare 1962 as an ode to the 50th anniversary.
Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director for The Macallan, said: “This October, James Bond will celebrate its 60th anniversary, making it the longest running and one of the most loved franchises in the world of entertainment, comprising 25 films over six decades and six lead actors over time. The Macallan is James Bond’s whisky of choice and as two renowned global brands, we share many synergies, most notably as modern innovators linked by our Scottish heritage.”
The Macallan has also created a series of immersive experiences to celebrate the 60th anniversary of James Bond including a unique exhibition – The Macallan in Cinema – at The Macallan Estate, which will take viewers through The Macallan’s history on film and transport them through the six decades of James Bond. A selection of films from across the years will also be shown at The Macallan Estate during a series of exclusive screenings.
The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release will have an RRSP of US$800 / £600 and will be available from The Macallan Online Boutique, The Macallan Estate Boutique, the global network of domestic and travel retail Boutiques, and in premium and specialist retailers and bars in countries around the world from September 2022. There will be limited availability worldwide. For further information, visit www.themacallan.com
Whisky Maker’s Notes:
The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release
ABV: 43.7%
Nose: Fresh and vibrant notes of lemon and lime, a sprinkle of sherbet, leading into a sweet vanilla and coconut, with a hint of dried fig and raisin.
Palate: Orange zest and fizzy sherbet with a lemon freshness, gentle oak and subtle ginger spice, leading into a deep dark chocolate, figs and baked apple tart with a honey drizzle.
Finish: Sweet and long with complex layers.
About The Macallan
Founded in 1824 on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland, The Macallan is renowned globally for its incomparable craftsmanship, creativity and innovation with each bottle of single malt whisky revealing its unique mastery of wood and spirit.
Social and environmental sustainability is at the heart of The Macallan, and as part of its commitment to establishing a positive legacy it revealed its award-winning new Distillery in 2018. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills and is located on The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate. To this day, the single greatest influence on The Macallan’s sought after portfolio of single malts is its sherry seasoned oak casks from which its whiskies derive their distinctive flavours, aromas and natural colour. Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.
About EON Productions
EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/ Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company that has made the James Bond films since 1962 and together with Danjaq controls all worldwide merchandising. For more information, visit 007.com & 007Store.com
Five New MASTERS OF SCOTCH Announced by THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS
Speyside, Rothes Glen Castle
Group photo of judges
The COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS, a U.S. education body dedicated to whisk(e)y, has conducted its first global MASTER OF SCOTCH examination and named 5 new MASTERS OF SCOTCH in a historic announcement.
Last week, a remarkable group of candidates and judges took residence at Rothes Glen Castle in Speyside, Scotland, to undergo 3 intensive days of masterclasses, tasting and examination that led to the identification of an inaugural class of MASTER OF SCOTCH titleholders.
The examination included a comprehensive blind tasting of single malt scotches, a detailed oral theory exam, as well as a 6-question essay exam. Candidates were examined on all aspects of the world of Scotch whisky, covering history, production, regions, trade, tasting, presentation, and more.
The international judging panel consisted of the Council’s advisory board members, featuring globally acclaimed whiskey authorities. This year’s judges in residence were Tobias Gorn, Charles MacLean, Arthur Nägele, Hans Offringa, Bernhard Schäfer, as well as Rebecca Offringa, who was officially appointed as a new advisory board member during the event. A majority of this judge group holds Keeper or Master of the Quaich designations.
Judges evaluated all candidates independently and elected new MASTERS OF SCOTCH based on agreed-upon standards developed and upheld by the Council. To become a candidate in the MASTER OF SCOTCH program, individuals must first pass the CERTIFIED SCOTCH PROFESSIONAL exam, and in a second step pass the CERTIFIED WHISKEY SPECIALIST exam to demonstrate global knowledge. The study program is open to all individuals, around the world, through enrollment at www.WhiskeyMasters.org.
Today, THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS congratulates the following professionals on their monumental achievement in Scotch whisky:
Daniel Crowell, Master of Scotch
Dan Crowell is the Glenmorangie brand ambassador for the United States. With nearly 30 years of spirits experience, Mr Crowell is one of the most highly decorated professionals active in the whisky industry today, holding awards from countless respected institutions. Mr Crowell lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
Jerad Justesen, Master of Scotch
Jerad Justesen has been a dedicated analyst and advanced student of Single Malt Scotch for several decades, with outstanding articulation of flavor components, as well as deep competence in the causality of production methods. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Guy Sporbert, Master of Scotch
For many years, Guy Sporbert has served as a Scotch Ambassador at the Westin Kierland Resort’s Scotch Library, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mr Sporbert gathered several decades of expertise in the spirits business, after transitioning from a accomplished career with the U.S. Air Force.
John Wabeck, Master of Scotch
John Wabeck serves as the beverage director for the Richard Deshantz Restaurant Group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr Wabeck has dedicated several years of professional study to the understanding and appreciation of Scotch whisky.
Samuel Wright, Master of Scotch
Sam Wright has studied the production, history and profiles of Scotch whisky for several decades while continuing an accomplished career in engineering. Mr Wright lives in Colorado.
As of September 10th, 2022, the above individuals have joined the COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS as members for life, subject to the Council’s code of ethics. Those candidates who did not pass all parts of the exam will be supported and mentored by the Council toward success in later examinations.
The COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS currently consists of 36 full members, including existing advisory board members, executives, and the new MASTERS OF SCOTCH. Since 2019, the Council has developed and served thousands of certification candidates, located in 45 different countries.
The next MASTER OF SCOTCH exam will take place in Bardstown, Kentucky, between April 25th and April 28th of 2023, at a private ranch in the heart of Bourbon country.
During those days, the first global MASTER OF BOURBON examination will also be held on site, judged again by the globally respected members of The COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS. The Council expects a total of 25 candidates to be examined at the Master level during this event.
Enrollment is now open for the 2023 Master examinations. To be eligible for either exam, candidates must first take levels 1 and 2 of the Council’s certification program.
All program and contact information can be found at www.WhiskeyMasters.org
The full list of board members is published at www.whiskeymasters.org/whiskey-masters
SHIRAKAWA (SILENT)
1958 VINTAGE
JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY
70cl | 49% ABV
Discover the remarkable story of Japan’s rarest Single Malt Whisky, from the long lost Shirakawa distillery.
Shirakawa Distillery was one of the pioneers of Japanese malt Whisky production, but the Whisky was never bottled as a Single Malt. The majority was used as a blending component for Takaro Shuzo’s King Whisky. The distillery produced malt Whisky until 1969, and was demolished in 2003.
In 2019, a vat of unblended Single Malt Whisky was discovered at one of Takara Shuzo’s production facilities in Japan. The Whisky was distilled in 1958, and was matured in oak (probably Mizunara) before being transferred into ceramic jars, and eventually stainless steel.
The discovery was the result of an extensive search through Takara Shuzo’s records and facilities. It is unlikely that any more exists, making this the first, last, and only Single Malt Whisky from Shirakawa Distillery.
THE TASTE OF LIQUID HISTORY
Award winning and internationally acclaimed Whisky writer Dave Broom presents his tasting notes for Shirakawa 1958 Japanese Single Malt:
Nose: Resinous, slight dry earth, dried citrus peels, a hint of wax. Aromatic. A drop of water makes it more vibrant and also shows clear maturity as well as a hint of incense. Exotic.
Palate: The palate is expansive with a succulent texture and hints of fragrant grass. Fruits emerge in the middle. Layered, spiced, and dry. Water brings out ash from an incense burner, a satisfying mouthfeel and surprisingly perky acidity.
Finish: Nicely balanced and persistent on the finish which picks up mint flavouring and makes it more camphor-like.
£25,000
Join us on Friday 30th of September for a peek behind the scenes of one of America’s most prestigious whiskey brands!
We will be hosted by Buffalo Trace’s one and only Drew Mayville, Master Blender and Director of Quality of Buffalo Trace. The only distillery to win “Distillery of the Year” an unmatched seven times!
At Sazerac, Drew has worked hands on with all the award-winning products produced at Buffalo Trace in addition to the other highly acclaimed spirit categories of the company. Drew is active in overseeing a number of award-winning products produced at various locations for Sazerac, and promoting and educating the public on some of the world’s finest spirits. His passion is not only to make the finest quality products but also to delight and excite the consumer with his work.
About the Evening
Friday 30th of September
19:30 – 21:00
£120 ticket price
You will be walked through this amazing line up by the man responsible for the blend in each bottle. You will also be given a sneak peak at a new blend that Drew has created.
Weetwood are known for their ales, but now they finally have whisky to show for all their knowledge of malted barley! Distilled with English malt, matured in STR American quarter casks with a European oak finish, left at natural colour and free from chill filtration at 46% abv. All the things we love to see!
Nose: Tropical fruit, baked apples, jasmine, orange blossom.
Palate: Malty, orchard fruits, hazelnut, tobacco.
Finish: black pepper, caramelised pineapple.
Founded in 1779, Bowmore is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland and the oldest surviving on the Isle of Islay. Remaining hand-crafted, Bowmore prides itself on its traditional techniques which honour past methods. Have a browse of the current range, and sign up for our upcoming ballot opening 27th September for the incredible ARC-52.
Bowmore 27 Year Old Timeless Series
Matured for 15 years in sherry and bourbon casks, the whisky was then finished for 12 years in first-fill Oloroso butts, then bottled at a cask strength of 52.7% abv. With just 3,000 bottles produced, this is a legacy-worthy dram packed full of grilled orange peel, smoked seaweed, chestnut honey and coffee beans covered in dark chocolate.
Stop into our London Piccadilly shop to view Bowmore ARC-52 as pictured above! An outstanding collaboration between Bowmore and Aston Martin, ARC-52 represents imagination, evolution, and intensity. Past and present combine in this extraordinary release. Our ballot will open on 27th September – sign up below to stay in the know.
We are excited to share the first relapse in our new collection: Harvest Series Golden Wold. Limited to 5,000 bottles and featuring a painting by Cotswolds artist Josephine Trotter, this is a celebration of autumn in the Cotswolds.
Four Roses. Not much more needs to be said really, does it?
Their core range is some of the finest bourbon on the face of the planet, and this, their single barrel offering, is quite extraordinary for the money you pay for it.
Four Roses ability to experiment means that their single barrel stocks are some of the most diverse in the world of bourbon, so when something stands out to them, it really does to us as well.
Ashamed that it’s taken so long for me to review this, but here we are!
Glenmorangie’s botanical notes bring the wonder of the forest to life with the launch of A Tale of the Forest
Experimental single malt’s botanical notes bring
the wonder of the forest to life
— Deliciously herbaceous whisky inspires technicolour work by illustrator Pomme Chan —
Lush and deliciously herbaceous, Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest is Glenmorangie’s first whisky ever crafted from barley kilned with woodland botanicals. Inspired by the natural, everchanging wonder Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation encounters as he wanders the woods near his home, this experimental limited edition evokes the scents, sounds and sights of the forest itself. Dr Bill Lumsden created its notes of pine, juniper and wood smoke by bringing back an ancient method of kilning barley with botanicals. So delightful are these flavours they have led illustrator Pomme Chan to dream up her own fantastical forest, showcased on the whisky’s pack.
For over 175 years, Glenmorangie’s whisky creators have been endlessly imaginative in their quest to create delicious single malts – none more so than Dr Bill, known for his ‘What if…?’ approach to whisky. Some years ago, dreaming of a whisky which captured the wonder of a walk in the forest, Dr Bill recalled how ancient Highland whisky makers dried their barley with all kinds of forest fuel. He began experimenting by kilning his barley with many different botanicals. And he discovered the wondrously different flavours which juniper berries, birch bark and heather flowers could bring, when married with a little peat. In this way, he created a batch of spirit with rare aromas of pine needles and juniper, laced with wisps of smoke. Then he aged it in bourbon casks including many refill casks, chosen to allow the spirit’s flavours to shine.
Pairing up with Glenmorangie to bring the whisky’s flavours to life on its pack, Thai illustrator Pomme Chan walked deep into her favourite forest in northern Thailand and began to draw, taking inspiration from her surroundings and her conversations with Dr Bill about Scotland. Soon she created her own fantastical forest, which inspires the packaging’s design. A feast of sumptuous technicolour, her illustration echoes the flavours and botanicals of the whisky – with blossoming heather, fragrant juniper and oranges and pine cones dancing on the breeze.
Dr Bill said: “Every time I go into the woods where I live, I notice something new, be it the fragrance of last night’s rainfall or the sound of leaves rustling a particular way. I began to imagine how we could bring the forest to life in a whisky, by kilning barley with materials from woodland, the way our ancestors did. After many experiments, we fell in love with the flavours brought by juniper, birch bark and heather, to create a Glenmorangie as lush and leafy as the forest itself. With aromas of pine needles, woodland moss, juniper’s sharpness, and tastes of eucalyptus, mint, bitter orange and distant smoke, A Tale of the Forest is a whisky to surround, delight and surprise you, whether you enjoy it deep in a forest or in cocktails at home.”
Pomme said: “I’m so excited to be collaborating with Glenmorangie for this delicious limited edition. To me, a forest is all about the senses – the fragrance, as well as what you see and hear. Through my illustration, I wanted to convey the mysterious depth of the forest as well as the botanicals and flavours you can find in the whisky: heather, juniper, orange mint… I hope the pack draws people in and invites them to imagine themselves enjoying Glenmorangie A Tale of Forest on a hike or a picnic… in a forest, of course!”
Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest is available to purchase from 3rd October 2022 (via Selfridges exclusively until 17th October). Visit glenmorangie.com to see Pomme Chan’s artwork and discover a selection of botanical Glenmorangie cocktails created by renowned Swedish forager and mixologist Emil Åreng. Guests can also enjoy A Tale of the Forest at a takeover of the Green Bar at London’s Café Royal. A special cocktail menu and venue takeover will be running from the 12th October until the end of December 2022.
Follow Glenmorangie on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glenmorangie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGlenmorangie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenmorangie
Tasting Notes:
Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest is bottled at 46% ABV
Colour: Deep amber
Nose: Sweet malt, biscuit, creamy with a distinctively sharp botanical edge, like juniper or coriander. A splash of water releases myriad herbal and perfumed top notes, such as juniper, coriander, damp woodland, pine needles, nettle and mint. There are glacé cherries, with aromas reminiscent of sweet baking chestnuts and gentle wood smoke.
Taste: A zesty, peppery, effervescent mouthfeel leads into an explosion of flavours: peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus, pine, wood sap, angelica, bitter orange and a hint of aromatic wood smoke. The taste sensation continues, with a bitter-sweet oak tannin flavour, along with some oily vanilla and hints of aniseed.
Finish: Long and lingering, with tangy citrus notes such as orange and lemon, and oak.
RRP: £75
About Glenmorangie:
Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for more than 175 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.
Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.
About Dr Bill Lumsden:
Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout more than 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that the magic of a snowy day (A Tale of Winter) the joy of a cake moment (Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), a beautiful barley field near the Distillery (Glenmorangie Allta) and more. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he has taken his place in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice.
About the creation of Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest:
Endlessly enchanted by the sights, sounds and scents of the woodland near his home, Dr Bill has always imagined bringing them to life in a whisky. And many years ago, recalling how the ancient whisky makers would have used moss, fallen trees, heather and many other kinds of fuel found in the forest to dry their barley, he began to experiment by using different botanicals to kiln his grain. After a series of trials, he found that heather, juniper and birch bark gave the most deliciously aromatic and forest-like flavours. And with barley dried in this way, he distilled a precious batch of spirit. Dr Bill aged this rare spirit for years in a range of bourbon casks, including many refill casks, which he chose to showcase the spirit’s rare aromatic notes. As lush and leafy as the forest, his creation brims with notes of juniper and coriander from the juniper, sappy, green notes of damp woodland and pine needles from the birch wood and soft, herbal scents from the heather flowers. All these flavours are entwined with Glenmorangie’s signature citrus notes.
About Pomme Chan:
Pomme, who lives and works in Bangkok, Thailand, was identified as a young talent when studying in London. Known and respected in Asia for her unique skill in hand-drawing, she has previously collaborated with many global brands. Her eclectic style takes its inspiration from everyday life, nature, abstract shapes, architecture and free form. To find inspiration for her immersive technicolour artwork, she spent time drawing in Wat Chan Pine Forest, the country’s largest pine forest, located in Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand. Through hand-drawing and digital techniques, Pomme’s illustration brings to life her own interpretation of the forest, featuring key botanicals and flavour notes (mint, eucalyptus, heather, orange, juniper, angelica and pine) from the whisky.
