Scotland-based distillery The Macallan has introduced The Macallan 77 Years Old single malt whisky into The Red Collection. It is now available worldwide at the brand’s travel retail boutiques.
The Macallan 77 Years Old, dated 1945, is one of the oldest bottlings ever released by the distillery. The 43.2% ABV expression has an recommended retail price of US$87,000 for the 70cl bottle. It is the first guest release to be inaugurated into The Red Collection since the launch of the range in 2020.
The collection includes ongoing aged expressions such as The Macallan 40 Years Old, The Macallan 50 Years Old and The Macallan 60 Years Old – available in limited quantities globally.
From time to time, these are joined by high-aged guest releases. This assortment commenced with The Macallan 71 Years Old, The Macallan 74 Years Old and The Macallan 78 Years Old in 2020, which are now followed by The Macallan 77 Years Old.
The colour red has held a long-standing significance for The Macallan. The ‘red thread’ began with Alexander Reid, the farmer and teacher who founded the distillery in 1824. His surname means ‘the red one’ in Scots and the word was originally associated with red hair.
In 1903, brand owner Roderick Kemp launched The Macallan Choice Old range, reportedly shipped in cases labelled with a red print to distinguish it from the brand’s existing whiskies which featured black labelling. And in 1980, red featured in the release of The Macallan’s then-oldest vintages. Allan Shiach, Chairman at that time, had tied a red ribbon around the bottles to denote the expression’s age and value.
The Macallan 77 Years Old was distilled in small copper stills. The ‘new make’ spirit was laid down in handpicked oak casks and left to mature for 77 years. Over time, the wood has shaped the whisky’s character, imparting natural colour and aroma.
The expression features flavours of citrus fruits with hints of woodsmoke and antique oak, paired with notes of raisin and dates. Baked custard, crystalised ginger, marmalade, sticky treacle and sweet smoke open on the palate, before moving onto a mixture of dried fruits. The finish is long with flavours of woodsmoke, Cherry Bakewell and tropical fruits.
In keeping with previous releases in the collection, the new expression is encased in a handcrafted oak box crafted in the UK. It is made of the same European oak that is used to craft The Macallan oak casks. The box has been upholstered with sustainably sourced 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.
Campbell 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 decades.
“This exquisite release reveals The Macallan’s legacy of incomparable craftsmanship, knowledge and skills nurtured by The Macallan 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.”
An animated film and series of illustrations created by painter and artist Javi Aznarez depict the evolution of The Macallan Red Collection through the years. The Spanish creator is known for his graphic art which has been featured in several Hollywood films including director Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch. ✈
