INTRODUCING TALES OF THE MACALLAN VOLUME II – Scotch Whisky News
INTRODUCING TALES OF THE MACALLAN VOLUME II
The first new release from The Macallan in landmark 200th anniversary year
London, UK – The Macallan readies for a momentous year celebrating the company’s 200th anniversary with the unveiling of a rare single malt whisky which pays homage to Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan.
Tales of the Macallan Volume II is the second edition in a remarkable series of rare single malt Scotch whiskies which tells the story of The Macallan pioneers and their whisky-making legacy.
In honour of Alexander Reid, who distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside in 1824, the second release in the series depicts Reid as a teacher, farmer, and distiller, on his journey to ultimate mastery. It is a fitting tribute that encapsulates Alexander’s story and the standards of excellence in craftsmanship he instilled then, that have passed on through each generation of whisky masters and still held today.
Crafted by The Macallan Lead Whisky Maker Euan Kennedy, this exemplary 1949 vintage whisky, bottled in 2022, was selected at the apex of its maturation, for its release in The Macallan’s landmark year.
Each Tales of the Macallan release represents a culmination of creative collaborations of the greatest craftspeople, reflected in each detail of the collection.
Encased in a bespoke handcrafted crystal decanter fashioned by master French crystal maker and long-standing partner of The Macallan, Lalique, this exceptional single malt is concealed within an extraordinary almanac.
A true work of art, the Tales of The Macallan Volume II book was hand-crafted by traditional London-based bookbinders, Shepherds, Sangorski & Sutcliffe and Zaehnsdorf, demanding extraordinary technical expertise to conceal the decanter within its 800 pages.
Each chapter tells the story of Alexander Reid, and features beautiful illustrations by renowned British illustrator, Andrew Davidson. Known for his traditional print techniques using wood engravings, Andrew’s work has included postage stamps for the UK’s Royal Mail and designs for the glass doors at Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
Artisan printer, Imprimerie du Marais in Paris, which creates luxury pieces using specially developed paper, ink and printing processes, expertly printed each individual page.
Euan Kennedy, Lead Whisky Maker for The Macallan, said: “Tales of The Macallan Volume II is a tribute to our founder Alexander Reid, whose commitment to quality and craftsmanship established the pursuit of uncompromised excellence that has continued to guide successive generations of The Macallan’s whisky makers, like myself, to this day.
“Displaying beautiful tones of bronzed oak, and subtle red hues that reflect the original meaning of Alexander Reid’s surname in Scots – The Red One – this rare and unique single malt whisky possesses an incredible complexity achieved through age and patient maturation. Enjoying a lingering smokiness redolent of whiskies of Alexander’s time, it is a fitting tribute to his living legacy as we celebrate our 200th anniversary year.”
Alexander Reid, fascinated with the alchemy of distillation that transformed barley into whisky, established the Distillery on Easter Elchies Estate, Speyside, Scotland, in 1824.
A driven individual with a keen sense of curiosity and thirst for knowledge, he strived for perfection by establishing core production principles. Holding firm that small stills produce better flavour and character, he resisted the adoption of large, higher volume stills, instead preferring the value of patience to deliver the uncompromised excellence for which The Macallan continues to be renowned.
The curiously small stills favoured by Alexander Reid continue to be a fundamental guiding principle for The Macallan, featuring in its Distillery and remaining one of the brand’s Six Pillars, the foundation stones for The Macallan’s character.
To mark the launch of Tales of The Macallan Volume II, a remarkable zoetrope-style animation has been created to bring to life the story of Alexander Reid. The short film features a selection of Andrew Davidson’s illustrations and is set to a captivating, original piece of music composed by acclaimed Scottish composer, Craig Armstrong. His bespoke, modern folk piece reflects on legacy, and what it means to create and be influenced by the landscape of Scotland.
A limited release of 344 decanters, Tales of The Macallan Volume II has an RRSP of £77,391 / $89,000 / €89,000 and will be available at The Macallan Estate, The Macallan Boutiques and premium retailers, including Harrods, Selfridges, The Whisky Shop and Berry Bros & Rudd from 26 January 2024.
For further information visit www.themacallan.com and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind these extraordinary single malts.
Whisky Maker’s Notes – Euan Kennedy, Lead Whisky Maker
Colour: Bronzed oak
ABV: 44.8%
Nose:
- Rich forest fruits, sweet aromatic woodsmoke, antique oak, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla pods, subtle herbal note, treacle toffee.
Palate:
- Black cherries, plum jam, dark chocolate orange, almond and custard pastry, ginger sponge with hints of cloves, sweet woodsmoke and a hint of loose tea leaves.
Finish:
- Long & complex, with a sweet lingering smokiness.
ENDS
About The Macallan
Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.
In 2018, The Macallan opened a new chapter in its history with the launch of its award-winning Speyside distillery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which is The Macallan’s spiritual home and remains the heartbeat of The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate.
Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.
