The Macallan has just released its latest limited-release whiskey series called the M collection. Comprised of the Macallan M, the Macallan M Black, and Macallan M Copper, each bottle celebrates The Six Pillars of The Macallan’s distinctive and exceptional whiskies. The Speyside distillery’s acclaimed single malts are all distinguished by Natural Colour, Mastery, Curiously Small Spirit Stills, The Estate, Exceptional Oak Casks and Sherry Seasoning.
Marrying the elements of art, design and technology, The Macallan M Collection explores the intricate precision and craft involved in the process of manufacturing the collection. The decanter is designed by creative guru Fabien Baron for the launch of the series, whose vision fuses aesthetic expression with commercial art in its finest form. His dramatic concept is physicalised by French crystal maker, Lalique. The vessel’s sculpted geometry pushes crystal glass craftsmanship to a new territory, a vision for the future, created to respect a glory from the past. The Macallan has worked with renowned luxury fashion photographer and creative visionary, Nick Knight, to create a series of photography and film in his abstract and expressionistic style. Knight’s imagery captures the collection in blocks of ice as an homage to the Macallan’s intrinsic connection to nature and the River Spey, which runs through The Macallan Estate.
The Macallan M
The Macallan M is a champion for its whiskies’ natural amber hue. Though scotch-making laws allow for some caramel colouring to be added for consistency, the distillery has defiantly chosen to let its spirits be aged in and thus a homage to the time the liquids spent in contact with the wood.
As a result of The Macallan’s commitment to craftsmanship and its dedication to using the finest, 100 per cent natural ingredients and exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks. A rare spirit epitomising transparency, the whisky glistens in a handcrafted Lalique crystal decanter. Matured in a small number of hand-selected casks, M proudly showcases The Macallan’s rich natural colour, while the transparent decanter reflects honesty as there is no artificial colouring.
The nose opens with black cherries, demerara sugar, oak, and leather, with hints of chocolate and vanilla developing over time. In a rush of complexity that can only be expected from the very best whiskies in the world, its full-flavoured character imparts notes of chocolate, dried fruit and spice.
The Macallan M Black
Named for the black-ended casks that give the spirit its peaty character, the M Black represents The Macallan’s dedication to Mastery and unwavering trust in its craft. The rare, black-ended casks holding peated spirit have been meticulously selected by the Whisky Mastery Team who have continued to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship to create this unique expression.
The spirit matured in the sherry seasoned oak casks has gathered depth and distinction over time and the handcrafted Lalique black crystal decanter reflects the peat smoke within the whisky and the confidence which drives The Macallan as the whisky makers boldly marry classic Macallan notes with peated whisky. A subtly smoky expression, it displays a rich natural colour of golden sunrise and is a harmonious balance of The Macallan’s classic character with an unexpected peated note, resulting in a complex single malt to savour.
The aromas of apple, pear and citrus combine with a subtle smokiness that complement a palate of candied oranges. charred peaches, honeyed figs and dark chocolate. Besides the peat, there is spiced ginger in a long, smoky finish bolstered by raisins.
The Macallan M Copper
M Copper is an ode to the Curiously Small Spirit Stills that remain key to crafting The Macallan’s precious spirit to this day. One of the defining features of the distillation process, they represent a pivotal moment in whisky-making history as when most moved to larger, higher production copper stills, The Macallan focused on exceptional quality. Their distinctive shape and size help to concentrate the new make spirit, creating the rich, robust character.
With a natural colour of spun gold, M Copper is a vibrant and elegant expression which brings the flavours created in the stills to the fore. It has a buttery, viscous mouth coating and is bursting in fruitiness with a hint of sweet malty flavour. A handcrafted Lalique copper coloured crystal decanter represents the stills and reflects the authenticity which drives the brand through its dedication to innovative methods.
The golden spirit leads with a nose of banana, pear and white peach flecked with biscuit, marshmallows, vanilla, and a whiff of lemon. It is buttery and viscous on the palate, framed by malty, spiced oak and more banana. A long, oaky finish completes the M Copper’s fruitiness and sweet, malty taste.
The Macallan M Collection Pop Up
As part of the release, the Macallan presents “The M Collection Experience” — a pop-up happening from 17 to 26 August at ION Orchard. Designed as an immersive experience, visitors will be offered an interactive opportunity, at the specially-designed digital table-top at the end of the journey, to discover the tasting notes and influences behind each of the taste profiles, as well as the stories behind each expression.
For each 70cl decanter, The Macallan M 2022 Release has an RRSP of S$9,150, The Macallan M Black 2022 Release has an RRSP of $10,303 and The Macallan M Copper 2022 Release has an RRSP of S$11,530, all inclusive of GST.T
The Macallan M Collection will also be available exclusively at The Macallan Boutique at Raffles Hotel Singapore.
For more alcohol reads, click here.
