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THE MACALLAN COLLABORATES WITH CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TO LAUNCH AN EXCLUSIVE SENSORY EXPERIENCE TO MARK 200 YEARS YOUNG
In celebration of the single malt’s “200 years young” milestone, The Macallan invites Cirque du Soleil to create a unique experience at The Macallan Estate
The exclusive sensory experience marries the unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship of The Macallan with Cirque du Soleil’s mastery in the performing arts
Guests to The Macallan Estate in Speyside will be transported into the extraordinary and unexpected world of Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT, a tale inspired by the Scottish Highlands
The experience will run daily – except Sundays – from 9 May to 31 May 2024
To commemorate The Macallan’s 200th anniversary, the renowned single malt Scotch whisky brand has come together with Cirque du Soleil to create a bespoke, theatrical and unforgettable experience. Drawing synergies from The Macallan’s unparalleled expertise in whisky craftsmanship with Cirque du Soleil’s indefinable mastery in the performing arts, the result is an unparalleled experience that marries the artistry of both worlds.
The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland – the 485 acres stretch of land in the Scottish Highlands that is home to the brand’s Distillery – will play host to this breathtaking experience. This scenic landscape offers a unique setting to enhance the engaging nature of the event, whilst providing a picturesque backdrop that complements the overarching narrative. With a highly limited run, the experience will run at 8:30pm daily – excluding Sundays – from 9-31 May 2024.
Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT is an exclusive sensory experience which transports guests into the theatrical universe of the Scottish Highlands for an engaging journey. Taking individuals on a journey through taste, smell, sounds and feelings, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness an awe-inspiring performance, whilst feeling immersed in nature.
Jaume Ferràs, Creative Director at The Macallan, said: “2024 marks a momentous year for The Macallan as it celebrates its bicentennial. Celebrating two centuries of unparalleled craftsmanship and tradition, this collaboration brings two iconic brands together, both dedicated to constant innovation; resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience which is uniquely inspired by the Highlands and the story of our brand so far.”
“Bridging the gap between the art of whisky making and the spectacle of performing arts, creating an unforgettable experience that is deeply rooted in the nature that surrounds us at The Macallan, our rich history, and our bold vision for the future. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to our Estate, offering them the opportunity to take in an exclusive experience and a bespoke whisky tasting surrounded by nature, all unique to The Macallan.”
Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT moves guests through different environments of the narrative experience, immersing them in the feelings, scents, tastes and sounds of the bespoke journey. The experience tells the tale of how reconnecting with nature gives life a force to protect our natural world, offering breathtaking performances, intriguing stagecraft and signature tasting experiences at the Estate.
The story focuses on Davonna, a fierce spiritual guardian of the Scottish Highlands, and a young colourist named Ayla. The daughter of a beloved Master Whisky Maker, Ayla has striven for years to recreate an elusive shade of red that reminds her of her father and the red chalk he would use in his work. Davonna leads their venture deep into the majestic natural landscapes of the realm and through a series of encounters with fantastical folkloric figures along the way, which culminates in a reconnection with nature.
Marie-Hélène Delage, Creative Director at Cirque Du Soleil, said: “Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT is a spectacular collaboration based on mutual respect. Through harmony paralleled with nature and storytelling, we’ve forged a unique partnership that highlights the strengths of both of our brands. With this invitation, we’re welcoming guests to a transformative experience in the timeless beauty of The Macallan Estate. Together, we’ve written a tale that celebrates the beauty, wonder and deep connection we all share with the natural world.”
Information on the experience, along with timings and pricing, can be found below:
Location: The Macallan Estate in Speyside
Dates: 9 – 31 May 2024 with one experience per day, excluding Sundays
Ticket price: £200 per person
Timings: 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Link to purchase HERE
ABOUT THE MACALLAN
The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single-malt whiskies. Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky.
An obsession with quality and craftsmanship is the hallmark of The Macallan. The outstanding quality and distinctive character of each whisky is influenced by exceptional oak casks seasoned with sherry wine – a commitment to natural colour underpinned by mastery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills.
The past 200 years have been a prologue for everything that is still to come. This is a journey through time. This is The Macallan, 200 Years Young.
Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.
For further information visit themacallan.com and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind the whiskies.
ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity.
Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com
We were recently reflecting on Peter Kwasniewski’s epic global journey as he set out late last year to introduce The Hearach to the world. Of particular recollection was the launch event in Thun, Switzerland where, nestled amidst majestic mountains by the serene Thun Lake, our venue for the evening was the breathtaking Schloss Schadau Hotel.
The evening proved to be an huge success, as we raised a glass of our whisky together with cherished friends of the distillers. Adding to the moment, we were joined by a local Gaelic singer, Amy Mackay, and the stirring melodies of Scottish bagpipes.
Peter told us… “This event will linger in our memories forever. It served as a reminder that whisky is not just a dram, it is a magical potion that evokes memories from years gone by and creates new ones together.”
Discover our spirits across the world via the button below…
Last year’s ‘First Release’ of The Hearach single malt whisky sold out in our UK online store in less than five hours. In the following weeks, more bottles reached the shelves of our friends and partners across the globe and were snapped up just as swiftly.
We’re now pleased to build on this auspicious start with the next round of releases from our Outer Hebridean distillery. Next month brings batches 9, 10, 11, and 12 into being and we’re busy behind the scenes bottling each one, ready to share with whisky lovers the world over.
Join us here next week to find out the exact launch dates and how to get hold of what you need. Meantime, learn more about The Hearach and how its woven from People and Place…
DOMAINE DES HAUTES GLACES
Located in the heart of the French Alps, Hautes Glaces is the oldest organic whisky distillery in the world.
Hautes Glaces take complete control in producing their organic whisky. Self-produced seeds and yeasts; local cereals from organic, regenerative and collective farming; water recycling; renewable, local and circular energy; even eco-designed bottles made from wild glass.
We’ve got two almost identical drams released by Domaine de Hautes Glaces, both made exclusively from 100% Rye whisky as well as using identical production techniques. The difference lies within the micro-provenance, the plot where the rye was grown.
It’s fascinating the level of detail involved, head over to Abbey Whisky via the link below to learn more about these exciting new drams.
Available now at a reduced introductory price, along with free UK delivery if both bottles are purchased today.
Serge from Whisky Fun rated these highly, scoring them 91 and 89 points.
As ever, if you have any questions or queries, please just get in touch.
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Slàinte
This elegant organic whisky from France is one of two ‘twins’ released by Domaine de Hautes Glaces, both made exclusively from 100% rye whisky as well as using identical production techniques. The difference lies within the micro-provenance, the plot where the rye was grown. ‘Epistémè R18P23 Yellow Circle’ was distilled during the Summer of 2019 from Rye grown on the slopes of the Vulson, the rhyolitic stone extinct volcano from which the distillery takes its water. Like it’s twin, it’s been matured twice, first in ‘feuillettes’ which are smaller (112L) casks crafted from a mixed of oak staves then in an ex-Cognac cask, one of those which had initially housed the second batch, the mirror expression of this exploration.
Rated 89 by Serge, Whisky Fun.
This French Organic whisky is one of two almost identical drams released by Domaine de Hautes Glaces, both made exclusively from 100% Rye whisky as well as using identical production techniques. The difference lies within the micro-provenance, the plot where the rye was grown. ‘Epistémè R18P23 Yellow Square’ was distilled during the Summer of 2019 from Rye grown at the foot of the Mont-Aiguille cliffs, in limestone scree fed by the run-off waters of the Vercors and their sediments. Matured twice, first in ex-Cognac casks then in ‘feuillette’ casks, which are smaller (112L) casks crafted from a mixed of oak staves.
Rated 91 points by Serge, Whisky Fun.
Old Perth Palo Cortado Limited Edition
Old Perth’s name pays homage to the Scottish city of Perth, historically the home of many a whisky company. It was the blending capital of the world, where great blended malts were created. The Old Perth series celebrates the blended malts aged in sherry casks. This limited release was aged in carefully selected Paulo Cortado sherry casks, bringing a complex bouquet of aromas to the whisky. Paulo Cortado combines the delicacy of Amontillado with the body of oloroso.
NOSE Fragrant honeysuckle, vanilla cream and spiced biscuits.
PALATE Honeycomb, candied nuts and ripe orchard fruits.
£48.00£58.00
JOHNNIE WALKER
BLUE LABEL
YEAR OF THE DRAGON
70cl | 40% ABV
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year is the perfect way to mark the beginning of a prosperous year ahead, making it a precious and memorable gift this Lunar New Year. Designed by the contemporary artist James Jean this year’s release is a dynamic interpretation of 2024’s zodiac animal the noble Wood Dragon. Regarded as the mightiest of all the Zodiac animals, the dragon is a symbol of life, creativity and future prosperity in traditional Asian culture, echoing the defiant optimism of the Johnnie Walker motto, Keep Walking.
£217.95
Some whisky drinkers treat the idea of adding water to their drams as a cardinal sin. But what if we told you that one of the most renowned Tasting Panels on the planet – yep, the big leagues – always sample their whisky with water.
Why, you ask? Because it’s like unlocking a hidden treasure trove of flavours! After savouring your whisky neat, a splash of water can set off a flavour explosion you never knew existed. Plus, it’s the magic trick to tone down any boozy fierceness, especially useful with our bold cask strength whiskies.
Ready to defy the whisky norms? Join us for a tasting experience at one of our Members’ Rooms that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ
Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information
This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!
Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video
Bladnoch distillery partners with Enotria&Coe
Bladnoch, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, has partnered with leading wine and spirits distributor Enotria&Coe to accelerate growth of the single malt whisky brand across the UK.
As part of a three-year deal, Bladnoch will work with Enotria&Coe to expand the distillery’s core portfolio into new accounts throughout Bladnoch’s home market.
Over the coming months, Bladnoch and Enotria&Coe will work together to expand the brand across all UK channels, with a primary focus upon premium on-trade, independent wholesalers and prestige retail.
Established in 1817, Bladnoch is the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery, and master distiller Dr Nick Savage, who leads Bladnoch’s taste-first approach to whisky making.
Bladnoch whiskies are now available in more than 40 markets worldwide, including Australia, Taiwan and the United States.
Glen Gribbon, CEO at Bladnoch, said: “Our proposition to create a bold Galloway spirit with a proud heritage is unique, and as a result we have seen demand for Bladnoch grow at pace in recent years.
“Enotria&Coe prioritises building strong, long-standing relationships with customers and producers, an ethos which aligns seamlessly with ours, given Bladnoch distillery’s 207-year history. We look forward to beginning our journey with Enotria&Coe’s distribution team to expand our customer base and help more consumers discover our signature Lowland style.”
Ants Rixon, managing director at Enotria&Coe, said:
“As part of our strategy to grow a small, but perfectly formed spirits brands agency portfolio, we are delighted to announce our exclusive partnership with Bladnoch in the UK.
“The company’s ethos of embracing history and learning from it, innovating at all levels and aspiring to always do better (in partnership) resonates very clearly with what we are both trying to achieve.
“Our teams are excited to be working together and we can’t wait to showcase Bladnoch at our Annual Tasting on Monday 26th February.”
Bladnoch’s partnership with Enotria&Coe, established on 1st February 2024, follows the appointment of Bladnoch’s first brand ambassador.
Actor Mark Rannoch, whose stage and screen credits include the global hit TV series, Outlander, joined Bladnoch last month [January]. He made his debut appearance at Bladnoch’s inaugural Burns Supper and will help to promote the brand worldwide.
Bladnoch’s signature whisky Vinaya takes its name from the Sanskrit word for respect and gratitude, paying homage to the distillery’s founders, who paved the way for Bladnoch’s exciting new era.
The distillery’s core range also includes Liora, Samsara, Alinta, Bladnoch 11-Year-Old, Bladnoch 14-Year-Old, Bladnoch 19-Year-Old and Bladnoch 30-Year-Old.
With this exciting new era comes a pipeline of innovation from Dr Nick Savage including The Dragon Series, a collection of five exceptional single malt whiskies that celebrate the natural unpredictability and captivating beauty of the whisky making craft.
Hand-crafted from the pristine waters of the River Bladnoch, which flow alongside the distillery, Bladnoch whiskies are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.
Join Enotria&Coe and Bladnoch on Monday 26th February to taste through the range at Enotria&Coe’s Annual Portfolio Tasting at The Brewery, London. To register, click HERE
For more information, visit https://bladnoch.com.
About Bladnoch Distillery
Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’
Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.
This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.
The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.
About Enotria&Coe
Enotria&Coe is the UK’s leading premium wine and spirits distributor.
With a portfolio of over 300 exclusive wine producers and over 1,500 spirits producers, Enotria&Coe supplies 12,000 on-trade sites across the UK. Enotria&Coe’s client base includes fine dining, specialist bars, hotels and events venues, such as Gordon Ramsay Group, Tom Kerridge, The Dorchester Collection and Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Hard to come by outside of independent bottlings, Longmorn distillery has unveiled its first annual single-batch release: an 18-year-old and 22-year-old. Both matured in ex-bourbon casks, they display the typical creamy toffee character and rich sweetness adored by whisky connoisseurs worldover. This Speyside distillery has been around since 1894 and continues to provide whisky for many of the big-name blends on shelves today. This, however, is a 2023 distillery release from Longmorn, displaying the hallmark characters of dried apricot, candied citrus, coconut husk and a hint of vanilla throughout the palate,
Sweetshop Symphony
A delightful riot of pear drops, marzipan, sherbet & sour apple candy.
Glen Moray exhibits a light style in its younger expressions, yet it is elegantly balanced and meticulously crafted. It possesses a medium-bodied character.
Distillery: Glen Moray
Region: Speyside
ABV: 57.3%
Whisky type: Single malt
Bottles in cask: 186
Matured in: Matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels sourced from North America which produces a rich and sweet malt.
Vintage year: 2007
Nose: Honey sweetness on the open, white chocolate with swathes of sticky caramel. Crumbled fudge topped with flaked sea-salt.
Palate: Buttery custard, crème brule. hard candied sweets, lemon peel & chocolate covered raisins.
Finish: Comforting cinnamon & freshly ground ginger.
