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.
Bardinet is bringing a little French bistro style to the drinks cabinet with a limited-edition seasonal bottle of its VSOP brandy, accompanied by four festive cocktail recipes. The new design features an illustrated label inspired by the character of a traditional French bistro. It marks the third consecutive year Bardinet has produced a seasonal limited…
For Hennessy, great cognac belongs at the table as much as it belongs in the glass. Few names carry as much weight in the world of cognac as Hennessy. Founded in 1765, the maison has spent more than two and a half centuries refining its craft, building a reputation for consistency, patience and an unwavering…
Prawn lovers, we have found your festive dining plans in the capital. ISSO Prawn Crazy, the new Sri Lankan restaurant in Canary Wharf, is serving three Christmas menus packed with seafood, curries and traditional island flavours. Book a festive meal and you could also win a holiday to Sri Lanka for two in 2027. Available…
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.
Bardinet gives best-selling VSOP brandy a seasonal makeover, suggests four festive cocktail recipes
Bardinet is bringing a little French bistro style to the drinks cabinet with a limited-edition seasonal bottle of its VSOP brandy, accompanied by four festive cocktail recipes. The new design features an illustrated label inspired by the character of a traditional French bistro. It marks the third consecutive year Bardinet has produced a seasonal limited…
“We’re on a quest to push the boundaries of quality!” says Hennessey cognac Master Blender
For Hennessy, great cognac belongs at the table as much as it belongs in the glass. Few names carry as much weight in the world of cognac as Hennessy. Founded in 1765, the maison has spent more than two and a half centuries refining its craft, building a reputation for consistency, patience and an unwavering…
Prawn lovers, ISSO Prawn Crazy’s festive menus come with the chance to win a Sri Lankan holiday
Prawn lovers, we have found your festive dining plans in the capital. ISSO Prawn Crazy, the new Sri Lankan restaurant in Canary Wharf, is serving three Christmas menus packed with seafood, curries and traditional island flavours. Book a festive meal and you could also win a holiday to Sri Lanka for two in 2027. Available…
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