THE MACALLAN UNVEILS NEW GUEST RELEASE FOR THE RED COLLECTION – Scotch Whisky News
THE MACALLAN UNVEILS NEW GUEST RELEASE FOR THE RED COLLECTION
An expression of the brand’s rich history and heritage
The Macallan has introduced an exceptional new single malt whisky into The Red Collection – The Macallan 77 Years Old.
The Red Collection is a range of distinguished and rare single malt Scotch whiskies which captures The Macallan’s respect for tradition and craftsmanship. Inspired by the significance of the colour red throughout the history of the brand, it features a carefully curated selection of ongoing aged expressions and occasional high aged guest releases.
The Macallan 77 Years Old is an extraordinary, high aged single malt and the first guest release to be inaugurated into the collection since the launch of the range in 2020. An incredibly rare whisky dating back to 1945, it is among the world’s oldest Scotch whiskies and is one of the oldest bottlings ever released by the brand.
At the heart of The Red Collection is The Macallan 40 Years Old, The Macallan 50 Years Old and The Macallan 60 Years Old. Available in limited quantities globally, they are the oldest ongoing expressions ever offered by The Macallan. From time to time they are joined by special high aged guest releases, which commenced with The Macallan 71 Years Old, The Macallan 74 Years Old and The Macallan 78 Years Old in 2020 and are now followed by The Macallan 77 Years Old.
Together the revered bottlings reflect the pursuit of uncompromised excellence which has driven The Macallan since 1824. The colour red has deep and long-standing significance for The Macallan. The red thread begins with Alexander Reid, the farmer and teacher who founded The Macallan in 1824. His surname means ‘the red one’ in Scots and was originally associated with red hair.
In 1903, owner Roderick Kemp launched The Macallan Choice Old range, reportedly shipped in cases labelled with distinctive red print to distinguish it from the brand’s existing whiskies, which featured black labelling. And in 1980, red featured strongly again in the release of The Macallan’s then oldest vintages as Allan Shiach, chairman at that time, tied a red ribbon around them to denote their age and value.
Distilled decades ago, in The Macallan’s signature curiously small copper stills, the ‘new make’ spirit was laid down in hand-picked oak casks and left to mature for 77 years. Over time, the carefully selected wood has shaped the unique character of the whisky, delivering the natural colour, distinctive aromas and full flavours of this aged single malt.
A beautiful balance of citrus fruits with hints of woodsmoke and antique oak open on the nose, paired with sweet notes of raisin and plump, chewy dates. Extremely rich and resinous, sumptuous baked custard, crystalised ginger, marmalade, sticky treacle and sweet smoke open on the palate, before moving into a medley of dried fruit. The finish is long with sweet woodsmoke, with the traditional flavour of Cherry Bakewell and the linger of tropical fruits.
In keeping with previous releases in the collection, the new expression is encased in a handcrafted oak presentation box, created in the UK, using the same sustainable European oak used to craft The Macallan’s oak casks. The box has been upholstered with sustainably sourced, soft red Scottish leather from Bridge of Weir Leather. The bottle itself has been hand finished and signed by The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell.
Kirsteen said: “The Macallan 77 Years Old is an incredible new high aged guest expression for The Red Collection, which has been crafted from some of the world’s oldest and rarest casks. It is a peerless single malt whisky that has slowly matured over seven extraordinary decades until it reached peak perfection.
“This exquisite release reveals The Macallan’s legacy of incomparable craftsmanship, knowledge and skills nurtured by The Macallan’s master whisky makers, past and present. It is a great privilege to play a role in crafting the remarkable single malts which form The Red Collection today.”
A new animated film and series of illustrations have been created, depicting The Macallan Red Collection transcending from the past to the present, in collaboration with renowned Spanish painter and artist Javi Aznarez. The Spanish creator is acclaimed for his striking graphic art which has featured in several Hollywood films, including respected director Wes Anderson’s recent feature, The French Dispatch.
The Macallan 77 Years Old has an RRSP of US$87,000 / £65,500 for the 70cl bottle and will be available from The Macallan Estate Boutique and The Macallan’s global network of domestic and travel retail outlets and in countries around the world from November 2022. For further information visit www.themacallan.com
Whisky Makers Notes
ABV: 43.2%
Colour: Golden oak and 100% natural.
Nose: Extremely rich and resinous, antique oak, raisins and dates, citrus fruits, cherry pie and hints of woodsmoke.
Palate: Pineapple, demerara sugar, crystalised ginger, treacle, intense dried fruits, woodsmoke, antique oak, marmalade, baked custard moving into dried fruits.
Finish: Long with sweet woodsmoke, Bakewell pie and tropical fruits.
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.
