Thursday, March 14, 2024

MACALLAN LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION COLLABORATION

The Macallan has announced the launch of a new limited-edition release in collaboration with Bentley Motors.

The Macallan Horizon (46.6% ABV) is a non-age-stated single malt Scotch whisky, comprised of six first-fill Sherry seasoned oak casks, which were selected by Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell.

The Macallan Horizon

Horizon is the first release designed and crafted in collaboration with Bentley Motors, fusing expertise from the worlds of exceptional single malt whisky and extraordinary automotive design.

Bringing together both traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge precision engineering technology, this latest release is said to push the art of the possible – where purpose meets innovation, craftsmanship and beauty.

The whisky comes housed in what is described as a visionary horizontal vessel featuring a unique 180-degree twist detail, demonstrating an unparalleled approach to product innovation and design, and reflects the horizontal trajectory of the automotive world.

In tribute to The Macallan's Six Pillars, which are its foundation stones for the character of The Macallan and the creation its rich spirit, six materials are incorporated that are integral to The Macallan and Bentley Motors.

The whisky is presented in a bespoke glass vessel, a material intrinsic to both The Macallan and Bentley, designed to be displayed horizontally, challenging the conventions of traditional whisky bottling. An aluminium ribbon envelops the glass and is precision engineered to Bentley’s exacting standards, in homage to this key material used in the sculptural foundation and bodywork of a Bentley motorcar.

The vessel is encased in a sculpture lined with the finest low carbon leather, expertly crafted, in a chestnut colourway to ornately finish and protect the precious whisky. A surrounding recycled copper frame is precision engineered and includes copper from the stills previously used by The Macallan, prior to the internationally acclaimed Distillery being unveiled in 2019.

Another material integral to both brands in included through an inlay of oak wood on the closure – crafted from one of the six casks used in the maturation of this whisky and inspired by the aesthetics of the Bentley Drive Dynamic Control rotary dial. The sculpture is finished with Bentley’s Crown Cut Walnut veneer, a specification meticulously developed for its vehicles.

Commenting on the launch, Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, said: “The Macallan Horizon is the most complex and visionary whisky project that The Macallan has embarked upon, and has required a profound and ongoing exchange of expertise with the team at Bentley Motors. Our collaboration with Bentley and the knowledge exchange we have undertaken has inspired us to see things very differently. In the spirits world, everything is vertical, such as our stills and our bottles. When we looked at the horizontal plane that Bentley’s grand tourers occupy, it made us consider if and how we could adapt this format for whisky, which ultimately requires to be poured and enjoyed.”

Limited to 700 bottles, The Macallan Horizon will be available later this month from select specialist retailers, for a RRP of £40,000.

 

Posted by Steve Rush

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

YELLOWSTONE LAUNCHES ITS LATEST SPECIAL FINISHES COLLECTION RELEASE

The Kentucky based Limestone Branch Distillery, has announced the launch of the second expression from its Special Finishes Collection.

Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish (50% ABV) is a 4 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which has been produced using the brand’s traditional Bourbon mash bill. The whiskey was finished for nine weeks in casks that previously held Cuban rum.

Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish

The resulting bourbon is said to feature a flavourful blend of spice and tropical sweetness; a medium body with notes of toasted marshmallow, crème brûlée and toffee toasted oak; and a finish that is highlighted by tobacco, clove, cocoa seasoned oak and honey.

Commenting on the launch, Stephen Beam, Master Distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery, said: “Rum has the sweetest notes of all the casks we’ve used for secondary finishing, and it was an ideal choice for the next adventure in our Special Finishes Collection. Rum is an exceptional compliment to bourbon, and they come together to create subtle notes of sweetness and brown sugar, which are soaked up and stored within the staves and perfectly complement the vanilla, caramel, and rye flavours of Yellowstone. Our four-year bourbon is a classic Kentucky bourbon and makes for a fantastic base. This allows me to go in many directions with the finishes while remaining true to or original profile.”

Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £59.00.


Posted by Steve Rush