THE MACALLAN UNVEILS M BLACK – 2017 Release

A LIMITED EDITION SINGLE MALT WHISKY IN A LALIQUE BLACK CRYSTAL DECANTER

New York, June 27, 2018 – The Macallan has released a new creation, celebrating the extraordinary collaboration between three masters of their crafts: The Macallan, Fabien Baron and Lalique.

The Macallan M Black 2017 Release is the latest and most complex masterpiece in the remarkable M series of single malt whiskies. In partnership with renowned creative director Fabien Baron and crystal masters Lalique, The Macallan M Black’s intriguing single malt comes encased in one of the world’s most beautifully designed and meticulously handcrafted crystal decanters.

Limited to 725 black crystal decanters worldwide, with only 40 decanters allocated to the United States, each decanter is engraved with its own individual number which will drive collectibility. It will be released worldwide from June 2018 onwards, at an estimated retail price of $6,995 USD.

An evolution of the iconic M Decanter, this new step into lustrous black crystal from Lalique was crafted to reflect the diverse history of The Macallan single malt and presents a striking complement to an uncharacteristically smoky Macallan. Reflecting a lifetime of whisky, M Black truly encapsulates The Macallan’s established history as an innovative and exceptional single malt, and represents absolute time distilled. This is all captured in flawless black crystal, a more complex and technically challenging material to craft than clear crystal.

A testament to the custodians who have nurtured and guarded the casks and their precious contents for generations, this first release of M Black displays a rich natural color, with an ABV of 45%. Drawn from sherry-seasoned oak casks, a proportion of which contained peated malt, it delivers a profile of dark fruit, chocolate and espresso, which open into wood spice and an edge of peat. On the nose, there is rich cherry chocolate sweetness and fresh citrus notes with dried fruit, before salted caramel moves into whispers of peat smoke. The smokiness increases on the palate but serves to complement the flavors of green apples, citrus and dried fruit.

Crafted from just six sherry-seasoned casks, three butts and three hogsheads, M Black is a testament to   exceptional cask ageing and the craft of whisky making. The use of smaller 250L hogsheads serves to intensify the complex flavor profile.

Capturing the expressive aesthetic of Fabien Baron’s illustrious creative vision, the M Black decanter’s tall, slim dimensions and iconic geometric form push the boundaries of traditional decanter design. Its sharp, angular facets gave inspiration to the name M Black itself, selected as a typographic representation of the decanter’s striking design. The name also conveys the black crystal material of the decanter and hints at the dark flavor profile of the whisky encased within.

Lalique has drawn on 150 years of mastery and dedication, and its long-standing relationship with The Macallan, to bring refinement and flawless clarity to M Black. Fashioned in the highest-grade black crystal for the first time, each handcrafted decanter unites tradition with striking originality.

“An incredible collaboration between three masters, The Macallan M Black has been brought to conception by creative director Fabien Baron; brought to life by Lalique’s mastery of crystal; and brought to purpose by The Macallan’s whisky makers,” said Geoff Kirk, Director of Prestige for The Macallan. “Presented in an extraordinary handcrafted black crystal decanter, M Black reflects a lifetime of whisky and continues to showcase the vital influence of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks and the ultimate craft of whisky making. M Black is a true work of art which raises the bar for whisky decanters around the world.”

Silvio Denz, Chairman of Lalique, remarks, “It is an honour to have worked with The Macallan – our long-standing partner for over a decade – to realise this exquisite piece and showcase our shared sense of mastery, craftsmanship and heritage. The decanter is completely unique in the world of decanters, very difficult to produce because of its shape and black color. The Lalique masters of crystal have relished applying their most complex skills to bring Fabien Baron’s creative vision to life in spectacular black crystal.”

For purchasing inquiries, please email: Inquiries.us@themacallan.com

For further information visit here

Whisky Makers Notes:

Color: Burnt umber

Nose: Rich cherry chocolate sweetness, and fresh citrus notes with the dried fruit. Salted caramel is enveloped by whispers of peat smoke.

Palate: The intensity of smoke increases but doesn’t dominate. It allows a subtle blend of green apples and citrus, dried fruit richness and smoke to perfectly combine.

Finish: Long and smoky

ABV:  45%

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles, the Six Pillars. An unrivalled obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its’ founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by the 390 acre Macallan estate, with Easter Elchies House at its center, a Highland Manor built in 1700.

For more information visit www.us.themacallan.com. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

© 2018 The Macallan Distillers Limited, The Macallan ® Scotch Whisky, Imported by Edrington Americas,

New York, NY. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

About Lalique

Founded in 1888, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France’s crystal glass industry. René Lalique, renowned as the inventor of modern jewerly went on to become a master in the art of glassmaking. Over time, his name has become the powerful symbol of a unique expertise, a synonym for luxury, excellence, creativity and for a widely celebrated artistic style. Through its contemporary work in six areas, Lalique revives and pursues the creative, eclectic work of its founder: jewelry, decorative items, interior design, fragrances, art, as well as hospitality. All crystal items are handcrafted in the company’s sole manufacturing site, which has been located in the Alsace region in France since 1921. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand. www.lalique.com

About Fabien Baron

As the founder and creative director of Baron & Baron, Fabien Baron has crafted identities for the fash­ion, cosmetic and fragrance world’s most visible and influential brands. The creative director’s singular vision is evident in a broad range of award-winning advertising campaigns, package designs, logos and graphics. Baron has also applied his talents to the design of prominent magazines and books, including the role of Creative Director for Vogue Italia and Vogue Paris, and is renowned for his photography, as well as for directing groundbreaking television commercials, music videos and online video content.