Driven to perfection: I tasted The Macallan Horizon ultra premium whisky at Bentley HQ

There’s obvious synergy between The Macallan, purveyor of premium Scotch whiskies, and Bentley, the luxury automotive marque. Both are driven by passion and the pursuit of excellence, producing products with painstaking craftsmanship and precision engineering. 

Both companies strive to be extraordinary – which seems a fitting adjective to describe Horizon.

This extravagant single malt Scotch whisky has been produced in collaboration with Bentley Motors, who not only inspired the liquid, but helped create the extraordinary packaging which cradles the bottle. 

This extravagant single malt Scotch whisky has been produced in collaboration with Bentley Motors, who not only inspired the liquid, but helped create the extraordinary packaging…

The release of Horizon corresponds with The Macallan’s 200-year anniversary, and it’s a surprising, intoxicating and ultimately delicious creation. Only 700 bottles have been produced, priced at £43,000 a piece, and The Luxe Review was invited to be one of the first to sample it.

There is, of course, no better place to experience The Macallan Horizon than at the home of Bentley HQ, in Crewe. The coachbuilder dominates the town, producing all its luxury cars there.

I decamped in Bentley’s freshly renovated country property, surrounded by some of the most exclusive motors on the planet (pictures below).  

This limited edition is the first release designed in close collaboration with Bentley Motors. I doubt it’ll be the last.

I’d seen pictures of the Horizon container, but that didn’t quite prepare me for the intricate physicality of the real thing. This unique 180-degree twist vessel is enveloped by precision engineered aluminium, a nod to the foundational bodywork of a Bentley motorcar.       

The sculpture is lined with chestnut coloured leather, while the surrounding recycled copper frame includes copper from stills previously used by The Macallan, pre-2019.

The oak inlay has been crafted from one of the six casks used in the maturation process, and has been inspired by the aesthetics of the Bentley Drive Dynamic Control rotary dial.

The sculpture is finished in Bentley Crown Cut Walnut veneer. The whisky inside is no less remarkable.

The Macallan Horizon tasting notes

Crafted by The Macallan Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell, from six first-fill sherry seasoned oak casks, painstakingly selected from stocks maturing in the warehouses at The Macallan Estate, Horizon endeavours to capture the very essence of Bentley.

Now I’ve never owned a Bentley but I’m prepared to believe Campbell has come miraculously close.

Bottled at 46.6% ABV, the Horizon is mahogany in hue, indicative of European sherry oak origins. The Macallan may be schtum about specifics, but on the nose I was teased with notes of aromatic leather and the unmistakable waft of freshly polished furniture.

When it comes to taste, Horizon is fittingly rich and indulgent. Plump Medjool dates and sweet sultanas mingle with oak spice and Christmas cake. As the dram rests, notes of sticky toffee and treacle pudding come to the fore.

Imagine a packet of Werther’s Original left in the glove box of a Bentayga on a sultry summer day, only more complex and exhilarating. 

The finish is delightfully long, like a lazy Sunday drive.

The Macallan 12 year old Double Cask tasting notes

Before the main event, I also had the opportunity to wet my whistle with The Macallan 12 year old, a rather more affordable staple from the distillery.

Bottled at 40% ABV, The Macallan 12 Year Double Cask is matured in a combination of American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. It’s a great introduction to the brand, known for the sherry influence on its whiskies.  

On the nose there’s honey and orange zest, which carries through to the palette with raisins and vanilla custard. The European oak adds wood spice, nutmeg and ginger. 

There’s no added colour, but it is chill filtered to remove haze. I’m told The Macallan chill filters at 4 degrees, precisely to avoid any impact on flavour or colour.

To produce The Macallan 12 Year Double Cask, new make distillate spends 12 years in either American oak casks or European oak casks separately. Then when ready, the liquids are combined in a large, metal marrying vat, where they mingle for two or three weeks before bottling.

The Macallan Horizon is a limited edition release, available in 70cl only from The Macallan Estate Boutique and select specialist outlets, including Berry Bros and Harrods. It’s priced at £43,000.

The Macallan 12 Year Double Cask is available from most whisky specialists, including The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt, priced at £77.