Anecdotes of Ages Collection: The Giant and the Fish
Roderick Kemp’s importance to The Macallan can hardly be overstated. The inspirational owner from 1892 until 1909, his impact upon the Distillery and the quality of the whisky itself was immense. His influence still resonates.
ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER SPEY..
Each unique label of the 13 original bottles details stories relating to The Macallan’s history, community, and the beautiful The Macallan Estate. The label created by Sir Peter Blake centres on a fish, and the River Spey forms a peaceful backdrop. On its banks, the youthful Roderick Kemp once saw fit to gift his catch to some neighbouring anglers with nothing to show for their day’s fishing.
One of them, a wine merchant, recognised his young benefactor when the boy arrived months later to be interviewed for an apprenticeship. That act of generosity helped secure Kemp’s post. He absorbed everything he could of the world of wine, knowledge put to great use when he took over at the Easter Elchies Estate.
THE STORY BEHIND THE LABEL
Thoughtful and considerate, Kemp also had a keen eye for commercial opportunity. Made aware that the Earl of Elgin, shooting on a nearby grouse moor, had just been appointed Viceroy of India, he sent some ‘real old Macallan’ immediately, an exemplar of early influencer marketing
The real – and rare - whisky in this bottle is just over fifty years old, the same age as Kemp when he took the reins at the Distillery. It has a depth and maturity to match his. Lead Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess’ choice of whisky is fully rounded, with sherried-oak notes that, as in the 1890s, add a chord of tastes that are deep, complex and compelling.
Sherry seasoned oak casks are a signature of The Macallan’s identity.
Their contribution to the whisky’s distinctive flavour profile is just one of Roderick Kemp’s legacies.
To this day, The Macallan insists on the best European oak, proud of enduring relationships with growers fully committed to sustainable forestry.
GUARDIANS OF THE RIVER
The Experience
COLOUR
Caramelised peach
NOSE
Classic antique oak, dried fruit and fig combined with hints of pineapple and mango layered with a decadent chocolate strawberry note
PALATE
Warm chocolate with light nutmeg and ginger, oak spices and sweet oak opening into pineapple and coconut with an unexpected strawberry and hazelnut burst
FINISH
Complex with a medium to long finish of chocolate, sweet oak and lightly spiced peach
ABV
46.7%
AN ARTISTIC PRESENTATION
The outer box for these special whiskies has been modelled on Sir Peter Blake’s own traditional art supply box, bringing together the world of art and whisky. A squirrel is laser etched on a removable panel, revealing a thumbnail photography collage documenting Sir Peter’s journey with The Macallan for the creation of this collection.
On the side a sliding drawer features Sir Peter’s signature laser etched into the oak. Within is a leather bound book sustainably sourced in Scotland, revealing the 13 unique stories behind the full Anecdotes of Ages Collection.
Discover More Anecdotes
Thirteen distinct single malts, all featuring artwork designed by Sir Peter Blake.