The Macallan has unveiled a new limited-edition single malt Scotch whisky to mark the 55th anniversary of Diamonds Are Forever. The release continues the whisky maker’s creative partnership with the Bond franchise, following its James Bond 60th Anniversary bottling in 2022.
Crafted by The Macallan Whisky Maker Russell Greig, the expression takes inspiration from Bond’s role in Diamonds Are Forever, a secret agent with a penchant for claret. This thread informs both the cask selection and the final character of the whisky.
The single malt was distilled in 2007 – stylised here as ‘2007’ – and matured for 18 years. Its construction centres on bespoke hybrid casks, combining sherry-seasoned European and American oak with an additional, less conventional element: American oak casks previously used to mature red wine.
The inclusion is a knowing nod to moments in the film where Bond’s knowledge of wine becomes a tool for deduction. According to The Macallan, the cask combination was designed to mirror the film’s sense of duality, where appearances often conceal something more complex beneath.
The seventh official entry in the Bond franchise, Diamonds are Forever saw Sean Connery return to the role, following George Lazenby’s one and done appearance as Fleming’s iconic hero in On her Majesty’s Secret Service.
According to The Macallan, the cask combination was designed to mirror the film’s sense of duality…
The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release tasting notes
Bottled at 45.5% ABV, this special edition whisky is presented in its natural colour, described as ‘Nevada Rock’. Its a warm red-orange hue inspired by the desert landscapes surrounding Las Vegas, one of the movie’s key locations.
According to official tasting notes, this second Bond bottling opens with polished oak, vanilla bean and rich dried fruits, on the nose.
The palate follows with creamy vanilla and caramel leading into cocoa-dusted champagne truffles. Notes of coffee, figs, berries and apricots add depth, while gentle spices emerge towards the back of the palate, creating a layered, complex profile.
The finish is said to be long and refined.
The bottle and presentation pack draw directly from Diamonds Are Forever production artwork held in the official Bond archives. Visual references include the film’s laser-beam satellite imagery and elements from the opening title sequence, offering collectors a subtle, archival link to the Bond universe.
Russell Greig describes the whisky as reflective of Bond himself: “It may appear dark and mysterious, yet on the palate it surprises with elegance and lightness. Each cask adds a layer to the story.”
Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, notes that the brand has appeared in more than 290 film and television productions, adding that this release is intended to honour Bond’s enduring place in cinema through a whisky that prioritises craft over spectacle.
Priced at £600, The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release will be available exclusively via themacallan.com, The Macallan Estate Boutique, and Heathrow Airport from February 3 – 17 2026.
From March 5, the release will be available at selected UK retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, The Whisky Shop, Master of Malt and Amazon.
Glen Moray hopes to temp whisky fans with the latest addition to its Xperience Collection, Forbidden Fruit. This novel single malt is finished in casks that previously held Calvados, the historic apple brandy of Normandy. The whisky continues the Elgin distillery’s long-running interest in cask experimentation. Forbidden Fruit follows earlier Xperience bottlings Phoenix Rising, which…
Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest-dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, is stepping up its UK presence with the roll out of Free Wave Hazy IPA. Free Wave is a smooth, hazy ale with a juicy body and velvety pour. Brewed with a trio of Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops, it delivers bright aromatics of tangerine and grapefruit, offering plenty…
Travellers to the Scottish Highlands will soon have a new way to experience one of the region’s best-known single malts. From April 27 2026, The Dalmore will reopen its distillery to guests with a completely reimagined visitor experience designed to offer a deeper insight into the craft, heritage and character behind its whiskies. Set on…
The Luxe Review 
The Macallan has unveiled a new limited-edition single malt Scotch whisky to mark the 55th anniversary of Diamonds Are Forever. The release continues the whisky maker’s creative partnership with the Bond franchise, following its James Bond 60th Anniversary bottling in 2022.
Crafted by The Macallan Whisky Maker Russell Greig, the expression takes inspiration from Bond’s role in Diamonds Are Forever, a secret agent with a penchant for claret. This thread informs both the cask selection and the final character of the whisky.
The single malt was distilled in 2007 – stylised here as ‘2007’ – and matured for 18 years. Its construction centres on bespoke hybrid casks, combining sherry-seasoned European and American oak with an additional, less conventional element: American oak casks previously used to mature red wine.
The inclusion is a knowing nod to moments in the film where Bond’s knowledge of wine becomes a tool for deduction. According to The Macallan, the cask combination was designed to mirror the film’s sense of duality, where appearances often conceal something more complex beneath.
The seventh official entry in the Bond franchise, Diamonds are Forever saw Sean Connery return to the role, following George Lazenby’s one and done appearance as Fleming’s iconic hero in On her Majesty’s Secret Service.
The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release tasting notes
Bottled at 45.5% ABV, this special edition whisky is presented in its natural colour, described as ‘Nevada Rock’. Its a warm red-orange hue inspired by the desert landscapes surrounding Las Vegas, one of the movie’s key locations.
According to official tasting notes, this second Bond bottling opens with polished oak, vanilla bean and rich dried fruits, on the nose.
The palate follows with creamy vanilla and caramel leading into cocoa-dusted champagne truffles. Notes of coffee, figs, berries and apricots add depth, while gentle spices emerge towards the back of the palate, creating a layered, complex profile.
The finish is said to be long and refined.
The bottle and presentation pack draw directly from Diamonds Are Forever production artwork held in the official Bond archives. Visual references include the film’s laser-beam satellite imagery and elements from the opening title sequence, offering collectors a subtle, archival link to the Bond universe.
Russell Greig describes the whisky as reflective of Bond himself: “It may appear dark and mysterious, yet on the palate it surprises with elegance and lightness. Each cask adds a layer to the story.”
Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, notes that the brand has appeared in more than 290 film and television productions, adding that this release is intended to honour Bond’s enduring place in cinema through a whisky that prioritises craft over spectacle.
Priced at £600, The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release will be available exclusively via themacallan.com, The Macallan Estate Boutique, and Heathrow Airport from February 3 – 17 2026.
From March 5, the release will be available at selected UK retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, The Whisky Shop, Master of Malt and Amazon.
First pour: Glen Moray adds Calvados twist to Speyside whisky and it’s a toffee apple treat
Glen Moray hopes to temp whisky fans with the latest addition to its Xperience Collection, Forbidden Fruit. This novel single malt is finished in casks that previously held Calvados, the historic apple brandy of Normandy. The whisky continues the Elgin distillery’s long-running interest in cask experimentation. Forbidden Fruit follows earlier Xperience bottlings Phoenix Rising, which…
America’s top non-alcoholic beer brand makes a splash with Free Wave Hazy IPA launch
Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest-dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, is stepping up its UK presence with the roll out of Free Wave Hazy IPA. Free Wave is a smooth, hazy ale with a juicy body and velvety pour. Brewed with a trio of Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops, it delivers bright aromatics of tangerine and grapefruit, offering plenty…
The Dalmore reopens Highland distillery to guests with reimagined Visitor Experience
Travellers to the Scottish Highlands will soon have a new way to experience one of the region’s best-known single malts. From April 27 2026, The Dalmore will reopen its distillery to guests with a completely reimagined visitor experience designed to offer a deeper insight into the craft, heritage and character behind its whiskies. Set on…
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