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.
Highland whisky innovator Cù Bòcan has launched the oldest whisky in its experimental Creations series to date, drawing inspiration from an unlikely source: sweet and salty popcorn. The new limited-edition Creation #9 combines lightly peated Highland single malt with a maturation programme designed to mirror the contrast of sweet and savoury notes found in everyone’s…
After nearly a decade of development, Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition marks the debut release in the distillery’s new Rare Wood Collection and the first (and most likely last) Midleton whiskey finished in casks made entirely from Irish sweet chestnut sourced from County Waterford’s Cappoquin Estate. Crafted from select Single Pot Still whiskeys initially…
The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies. As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with…
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.
Cù Bòcan Creation #9 is a 17 Year Old Highland whisky with a sweet and salty cinematic twist
Highland whisky innovator Cù Bòcan has launched the oldest whisky in its experimental Creations series to date, drawing inspiration from an unlikely source: sweet and salty popcorn. The new limited-edition Creation #9 combines lightly peated Highland single malt with a maturation programme designed to mirror the contrast of sweet and savoury notes found in everyone’s…
First pour: Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition is one of 2026’s most desirable whiskeys
After nearly a decade of development, Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition marks the debut release in the distillery’s new Rare Wood Collection and the first (and most likely last) Midleton whiskey finished in casks made entirely from Irish sweet chestnut sourced from County Waterford’s Cappoquin Estate. Crafted from select Single Pot Still whiskeys initially…
The Macallan Carta Nautica Collection charts a new course for Scotch whisky icon, led by a 38 Year Old
The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies. As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with…
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