The Macallan has announced two premium single malts, inspired by visionary Scottish architect and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Referencing Mackintosh’s 1902 lecture, ‘Art is the flower, life is the green leaf’, The collection comprises Art is the Flower and the ultra-rare The Tree of Life.
Each whisky is distinct in age, composition, and presentation, honouring Mackintosh’s legacy through cask, wood, and spirit.
It’s worth noting that the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society played a key role in curating this collaboration, giving it both aesthetic and historical integrity. A series of short documentary-style films, featuring artists like Christopher Kane and historians from the society, extend the storytelling beyond the glass.
The Macallan The Tree of Life – A poetic tribute
The rarest of the pair, limited to just 112 Lalique decanters, The Tree of Life by The Macallan, is a 46-year-old single malt drawn from just two sherry-seasoned oak casks, both laid down in 1979. These casks matured quietly in Speyside for over four decades before being brought together in a whisky that is, by all measures, rarefied.
With an ABV of 46.2%, the whisky is housed in a crystal decanter, topped with a sculptural rose stopper inspired by Mackintosh’s stained glass work. The decanter itself sits within an ornate metal framework, a nod to the stylised ironwork that once adorned the architect’s buildings.
Tasting notes report charred tropical fruit, antique oak, zesty citrus, soft vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, on the nose, with subtle peat smoke, rich dark chocolate, layered tropical fruit, oak and spice on the palate. The finish is said to be long, aromatic and complex.
With an ABV of 46.2%, the whisky is housed in a crystal decanter, topped with a sculptural rose stopper inspired by Mackintosh’s stained glass work…
The Macallan Art is the Flower – sherry-soaked homage
While the 46-year-old commands attention for its rarity, Art is the Flower is no mere companion piece. Crafted from sherry-seasoned European oak casks chosen from across The Macallan’s vast stocks, the whisky boasts a rich, full-bodied character. Bottled at 50.4% ABV, it boasrs heft and structure, with multi-layered aromas and flavours.
According to Whisky Maker Steven Bremner, the team had full rein over The Macallan’s formidable inventory, selecting only those casks that had “reached their peak.”
Says Bremner, “European oak was key, as it delivers both boldness and finesse, exactly what we needed to reflect Mackintosh’s legacy.”
Official tasting notes report raisins, fig, polished oak, cherry, orange peel, almonds, and treacle on the nose, with flavours of sweet vanilla, and ginger. Mid-palate notes of stewed apple and a trace of leaf tea speak of a clean, slightly tannic edge.
Priced at $1,000 and released via invitation to purchase and select retailers, Art is the Flower isn’t positioned as an everyday dram. But for serious collectors and connoisseurs of limited-edition single malts, it remains within the realm of possibility, particularly given its pedigree.
It’s also notably more accessible than The Tree of Life, which is handled by The Macallan Client Services. A sturdy tree indeed.
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Christmas is coming, and Master of Malt and Drinks by the Dram are ready with a new collection of spirits advent calendars, with 30ml wax-sealed drams behind every door. The calendars cover everything from classic Scotch and Japanese whisky to gin, rum and vodka, and the vast majority of the included spirits are new for…
The Macallan has announced two premium single malts, inspired by visionary Scottish architect and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Referencing Mackintosh’s 1902 lecture, ‘Art is the flower, life is the green leaf’, The collection comprises Art is the Flower and the ultra-rare The Tree of Life.
Each whisky is distinct in age, composition, and presentation, honouring Mackintosh’s legacy through cask, wood, and spirit.
It’s worth noting that the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society played a key role in curating this collaboration, giving it both aesthetic and historical integrity. A series of short documentary-style films, featuring artists like Christopher Kane and historians from the society, extend the storytelling beyond the glass.
The Macallan The Tree of Life – A poetic tribute
The rarest of the pair, limited to just 112 Lalique decanters, The Tree of Life by The Macallan, is a 46-year-old single malt drawn from just two sherry-seasoned oak casks, both laid down in 1979. These casks matured quietly in Speyside for over four decades before being brought together in a whisky that is, by all measures, rarefied.
With an ABV of 46.2%, the whisky is housed in a crystal decanter, topped with a sculptural rose stopper inspired by Mackintosh’s stained glass work. The decanter itself sits within an ornate metal framework, a nod to the stylised ironwork that once adorned the architect’s buildings.
Tasting notes report charred tropical fruit, antique oak, zesty citrus, soft vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, on the nose, with subtle peat smoke, rich dark chocolate, layered tropical fruit, oak and spice on the palate. The finish is said to be long, aromatic and complex.
The Macallan Art is the Flower – sherry-soaked homage
While the 46-year-old commands attention for its rarity, Art is the Flower is no mere companion piece. Crafted from sherry-seasoned European oak casks chosen from across The Macallan’s vast stocks, the whisky boasts a rich, full-bodied character. Bottled at 50.4% ABV, it boasrs heft and structure, with multi-layered aromas and flavours.
According to Whisky Maker Steven Bremner, the team had full rein over The Macallan’s formidable inventory, selecting only those casks that had “reached their peak.”
Says Bremner, “European oak was key, as it delivers both boldness and finesse, exactly what we needed to reflect Mackintosh’s legacy.”
Official tasting notes report raisins, fig, polished oak, cherry, orange peel, almonds, and treacle on the nose, with flavours of sweet vanilla, and ginger. Mid-palate notes of stewed apple and a trace of leaf tea speak of a clean, slightly tannic edge.
Priced at $1,000 and released via invitation to purchase and select retailers, Art is the Flower isn’t positioned as an everyday dram. But for serious collectors and connoisseurs of limited-edition single malts, it remains within the realm of possibility, particularly given its pedigree.
It’s also notably more accessible than The Tree of Life, which is handled by The Macallan Client Services. A sturdy tree indeed.
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A new Johnnie Walker Blue Label blend has been created for India’s festive season, drawing on rare reserves and flavours inspired by the country’s culinary traditions. Johnnie Walker has unveiled the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Indian Festive Blend, a limited-edition expression developed by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr Emma Walker using some of the rare…
Maple sweetness and Oloroso sherry define new Cotswolds Round Hill Harvest English whisky release
A new limited-edition English single malt brings together ex-maple syrup and Oloroso casks with a subtle hint of peat. Introducing Cotswolds Distillery’s Round Hill Harvest, the fifth expression in its popular Harvest Series. Comprising 1,200 bottles, the release marries whisky matured in ex-maple syrup casks with Spanish oak Oloroso hogsheads. The resulting dram is rich…
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Christmas is coming, and Master of Malt and Drinks by the Dram are ready with a new collection of spirits advent calendars, with 30ml wax-sealed drams behind every door. The calendars cover everything from classic Scotch and Japanese whisky to gin, rum and vodka, and the vast majority of the included spirits are new for…
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