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.
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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.
Lochlea unveils limited Red Wine Cask 2026 whisky finished in Tuscan Sangiovese barrels
Family-owned Lochlea Distillery has announced its second annual Red Wine Cask release, offering a rich, fruit-forward take on modern Scotch. This showcase for the farm-to-cask distillery’s distinctive approach to cask management joins Lochlea’s core Single Estate range, launched last summer. The Red Wine Cask series is an annual limited-edition inspired by the art of finishing…
Hibiki Japanese whisky launches global cultural campaign with Shōgun star Anna Sawai
Hibiki has unveiled its first-ever global marketing campaign, placing actress and Shōgun star Anna Sawai at the centre of a project designed to connect Japanese whisky with broader themes of craftsmanship, heritage and artistry. Titled The Masterpiece of Japanese Artistry, the initiative marks Sawai’s debut as Hibiki’s first global ambassador and reflects a growing focus…
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Smoky Mezcals, regional Raicillas and crisp Tequilas return to London’s South Bank for the second annual Tequila & Mezcal Show. Last year, more than 600 agave enthusiasts brought the buzz, and this year promises to be even more exciting, with over 250 spirits from across Mexico gracing Glazier’s Hall. Running for two sessions on Friday…
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