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.
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| 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