Tales of The Macallan Volume II, the second edition in a series of rare single malt Scotch whiskies which tells the story of The Macallan pioneers and their whisky-making legacy, has been released exclusively into global travel retail in selected The Macallan Boutiques.
Tales of The Macallan Volume II, a limited release of 344 decanters, has a recommended retail price of US$89,000.
The launch follows Tales of The Macallan Volume I unveiled last June.
Crafted by The Macallan Lead Whisky Maker Euan Kennedy, the 1949 vintage whisky was bottled in 2022.
The new Tales of The Macallan edition pays homage to The Macallan Founder Alexander Reid and depicts him as a teacher, farmer and distiller on his journey to “ultimate mastery”.
The Macallan noted: “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 held today as The Macallan marks its 200th anniversary year.”
The Tales of The Macallan expression is encased in a bespoke handcrafted Lalique crystal decanter, with the single malt concealed by an 800-page almanac, put together by traditional London bookbinder Shepherds, Sangorski & Sutcliffe and Zaehnsdorf. Each chapter tells the story of Reid and features drawings by renowned British illustrator Andrew Davidson.
To mark the launch of Tales of The Macallan Volume II, a zoetrope-style animation has been created to bring Reid’s story to life. The short film features a selection of Davidson’s illustrations and is set to an original piece of music composed by acclaimed Scottish composer Craig Armstrong.
Edrington Regional Managing Director – Global Travel Retail Jeremy Speirs commented: “The Tales of The Macallan series draws on the brand’s rich heritage and incredible stocks of aged whiskies, offering bottlings perfectly aligned with the global shoppers’ desire for storytelling and exclusivity.
“In our 200th year this launch marks a fitting tribute to The Macallan’s founder, while strengthening our reputation as a leading light in luxury spirits. We are looking forward to introducing this stunning whisky to shoppers in select travel retail locations and are confident it will prove a real draw for collectors and enthusiasts who actively seek out The Macallan in this channel.”
Background
Alexander Reid, fascinated with the alchemy of distillation that transformed barley into whisky, established The Macallan 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 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.
Whisky Maker’s Notes
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 and complex with a sweet lingering smokiness.
