The Macallan has introduced The Macallan Colour Collection, a new range of age statement whiskies celebrating the brand’s natural colour and reflecting the influence of its signature sherry seasoning.
The collection features a 12 Years Old (priced at £70), a 15 Years Old (£145), an 18 Years Old (£305), a 21 Years Old (£965) and a 30 Years Old (£3,910).
Sherry seasoned oak is the single greatest contributor to the natural colour, and distinctive character of The Macallan’s single malts.
Interestingly, the Collection is crafted mainly from American oak casks, albeit with a subtle touch of European oak for balance.
The Macallan Colour Collection tasting notes
I was lucky enough to taste the 12, 15 and 18 Years Old drams.
The most affordable in the collection, The Macallan Colour Collection 12 Years Old is the colour of sun-burnished hay, and offers aromas of lemon citrus and vanilla. On the palate, there’s honey and fruits, with a finish that recalls sweet sugary breakfast cereals. It’s going to please whisky newbies and enthusiasts alike.
The Macallan Colour Collection 15 Years Old is an amber gold, and offers candied orange peel, vanilla and caramel on the nose. On the palate, there’s orange citrus and fresh pineapple. It’s slightly more complex, but equally approachable.
The Macallan Colour Collection 18 Years Old is more auburn of hue, and is similarly intense on the palate. With chocolate and Seville orange notes, it reminded me of chocolate honeycomb Crunchie bars and the bitterness of expensive, chunky marmalade. It’s definitely a dram to savour.
While the 21 Years Old and 30 Years Old went untasted, The Macallan’s own tasting notes speak of Crème Brûlée, candied orange and caramelised pineapple on the nose, with tropical fruits, candied ginger, dark chocolate orange and cardamom on the palate, for the 21 Years Old, and aromas of Pineapple, caramelised banana, and crème brûlée with tropical fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg intertwined with creamy baked custard and crystalised lemon peel on the palate for the 30 Years Old.
The collection is a collaboration with US graphic designer David Carson, who has created a fresh new look for the brand with the Colour Collection’s packaging
The artist has taken inspiration from Jerez, where The Macallan’s sherry seasoned oak casks are crafted.
David Carson said: “I see Jerez as one huge, white canvas, its mysteries waiting to be discovered. Working with The Macallan is like having a conversation with an old friend – one who happens to be an excellent craftsman. They’ve spent two hundred years refining their processes to create the best whisky possible, and the knowledge they have is really incredible.”
Fittingly, the Colours collection was unveiled at the Embankment Galleries, at Somerset House, in London. Similar immersive art exhibitions celebrating The Macallan’s exclusive partnership with Carson will also take place in Shanghai, Dubai, Singapore and LA.
A global travel exclusive, the Colour Collection will be available in The Macallan Global Boutiques and key airports and travel destinations from September 2023. Grab a bottle (or two) while you can.
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The Luxe Review 
The Macallan has introduced The Macallan Colour Collection, a new range of age statement whiskies celebrating the brand’s natural colour and reflecting the influence of its signature sherry seasoning.
The collection features a 12 Years Old (priced at £70), a 15 Years Old (£145), an 18 Years Old (£305), a 21 Years Old (£965) and a 30 Years Old (£3,910).
Sherry seasoned oak is the single greatest contributor to the natural colour, and distinctive character of The Macallan’s single malts.
Interestingly, the Collection is crafted mainly from American oak casks, albeit with a subtle touch of European oak for balance.
The Macallan Colour Collection tasting notes
I was lucky enough to taste the 12, 15 and 18 Years Old drams.
The most affordable in the collection, The Macallan Colour Collection 12 Years Old is the colour of sun-burnished hay, and offers aromas of lemon citrus and vanilla. On the palate, there’s honey and fruits, with a finish that recalls sweet sugary breakfast cereals. It’s going to please whisky newbies and enthusiasts alike.
The Macallan Colour Collection 15 Years Old is an amber gold, and offers candied orange peel, vanilla and caramel on the nose. On the palate, there’s orange citrus and fresh pineapple. It’s slightly more complex, but equally approachable.
The Macallan Colour Collection 18 Years Old is more auburn of hue, and is similarly intense on the palate. With chocolate and Seville orange notes, it reminded me of chocolate honeycomb Crunchie bars and the bitterness of expensive, chunky marmalade. It’s definitely a dram to savour.
While the 21 Years Old and 30 Years Old went untasted, The Macallan’s own tasting notes speak of Crème Brûlée, candied orange and caramelised pineapple on the nose, with tropical fruits, candied ginger, dark chocolate orange and cardamom on the palate, for the 21 Years Old, and aromas of Pineapple, caramelised banana, and crème brûlée with tropical fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg intertwined with creamy baked custard and crystalised lemon peel on the palate for the 30 Years Old.
The collection is a collaboration with US graphic designer David Carson, who has created a fresh new look for the brand with the Colour Collection’s packaging
The artist has taken inspiration from Jerez, where The Macallan’s sherry seasoned oak casks are crafted.
David Carson said: “I see Jerez as one huge, white canvas, its mysteries waiting to be discovered. Working with The Macallan is like having a conversation with an old friend – one who happens to be an excellent craftsman. They’ve spent two hundred years refining their processes to create the best whisky possible, and the knowledge they have is really incredible.”
Fittingly, the Colours collection was unveiled at the Embankment Galleries, at Somerset House, in London. Similar immersive art exhibitions celebrating The Macallan’s exclusive partnership with Carson will also take place in Shanghai, Dubai, Singapore and LA.
A global travel exclusive, the Colour Collection will be available in The Macallan Global Boutiques and key airports and travel destinations from September 2023. Grab a bottle (or two) while you can.
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