The Macallan has commissioned the world-renowned American photographer Annie Leibovitz for the third edition of its award-winning Masters of Photography series. It will be on shelf this month at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the first listing in travel retail.
The Masters of Photography series features exclusive collaborations, conjoining the art of whisky-making with the artist’s interpretation of the world of The Macallan. Previous editions were authored by iconic photographers Rankin and Albert Watson.
The Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition sees Leibovitz – chosen for her skill and style of portrait photography – bring to life the essence of the brand through Scottish actor Kevin McKidd.
“I am the first colour photographer chosen by The Macallan for its Master of Photography series, prior to this I hadn’t realised how complicated and deep the distilling process is,” commented Leibovitz. “That warmth and richness is what I tried to bring to the photographs. Kevin McKidd drove the imagery. Where Kevin comes from and his rugged good looks are what the photographs are all about. It wasn’t casting; it’s authentic.”
McKidd, acclaimed star of US TV drama Grey’s Anatomy and cult film Trainspotting hails from Elgin, just a few miles away from The Macallan Distillery on Speyside where he worked as a young man, making him an authentic choice for the role. He said: “This project is very special to me. Having worked at The Macallan distillery in my youth, I remain a Macallan drinker to this day so to be asked by The Macallan to be part of this campaign was a huge honour. Annie Leibovitz is a living legend so to be photographed by her is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition comprises 1,000 limited edition bottles, of which there are four different versions. Each bottle contains one of four single malts, crafted to reflect the mood of the signed Annie Leibovitz print that it is paired with – Leibovitz has interpreted four single cask variants released for the first time, resulting in four iconic images shot against dramatic backdrops in and around New York City:
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The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition comprises 1,000 limited edition bottles |
The Library – This historic location, modelled on Sir Walter Scott’s library in his home in Abbotsford in the Scottish Borders, provided a setting rich in heritage suited to McKidd’s seated, reflective moment. The deep red mahogany 1995 whisky with rich notes of raisin and chocolate orange has a long, lingering finish which is said to match the contemplative mood of the shot.
The Gallery – In the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh hangs “˜Niagara Falls from the American side’ by renowned artist Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900). His private gallery in Upstate New York serves as a backdrop to the “intense, sensual” moment the actor shares with his leading lady. In its accompanying 1989 single malt, burnished oak gives out a rich intensity which, like the image, has “a dry finish that teases”, according to the brand.
The Bar – Shot in the Red Spot Bar, nestled in the town of Hudson, the mood is described as upbeat, lively and relaxed as Kevin McKidd meets up with friends to enjoy a glass of The Macallan together. Like McKidd, the note of Vibrant Oak in the 1991 bottle, makes a statement but is refined enough not to dominate, The Macallan said.
The Skyline – The actor is literally on top of the world, as he stands on the iconic Tudor City building against the Manhattan skyline at day break. The dawn light in the shot is complemented by the lemon and citrus fruit nose of the light gold-coloured 1996 whisky.
The four single cask whiskies have been matured in different cask types to be completely original. The bottle and print – pictured in our unique Moodie Magnifier – are presented in a bespoke photo-archival box, stamped with The Macallan brand and Annie Leibovitz’s name.
A further four individually customised bottles of The Macallan 1949 – the year Leibovitz was born – from the Fine and Rare Collection will also be released. Accompanied by a signed one-off gallery-sized print, they will be available with a reserve price of US$25,000 following a world exhibition tour which will take place in Hong Kong, Moscow and New York.
The Edrington Group Director of Malts Ken Grier said: “Working with one of the world’s most influential photographers has exceeded all expectations. The Masters of Photography series is hugely important to The Macallan brand and Annie Leibovitz has captured The Macallan moment in her own unique way.
“The fact that our leading actor, Kevin McKidd, is not only a fervent Macallan drinker but actually worked at the distillery is a wonderful and authentic story. His evolution from an Elgin boy to internationally famous actor mirrors the success The Macallan has enjoyed from its Speyside roots to global fame, making him perfect for the brand.”
The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz edition, available worldwide since May 2012, is priced at US$2,750.
For more information, visit www.themacallan.com and www.themastersofphotography.com
