Anecdotes of Ages Collection: A New Distillery
There are still wonders in the world that await discovery. It is not overstating the case to declare The Macallan’s new Distillery is one of them.
WHERE PAST AND FUTURE MEET
One of the 13 original bottles, each distinct label highlights significant stories relating to our history, community, and the beautiful The Macallan Estate.
Blended into the landscape under three turfed mounds, inspired by ancient Scottish ‘brochs’, the space hidden from arial view is a revelation to the visitor. Twenty-four curiously small copper stills are arranged in three circles, below a vaulted roof of 2,500 wooden panels, only three of them with the same dimensions. Miles of gleaming pipework are aligned in staves of geometric beauty.
So much more than just a production line, the building shows a commitment to whisky making at a higher level altogether.
The cathedral-like expanse (the description is unavoidable) also houses a formidable team of six, world-class specialists who, between them, determine the quality, character and distinction of every bottling that leaves The Macallan. Theirs is no small duty.
THE STORY BEHIND THE LABEL
On the label, at the group’s centre, Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell stands with her team Russell Greig, Stephen Bremner and Polly Logan. Together with Sarah Burgess, they are joined by Master of Wood, Stuart McPherson, whose influence on the maturation of any new make spirit is as vital as it is finessed. Behind these six exceptional people glow the tessellated roof patterns and gloriously sweeping curves of Rogers Stirk, Harbour and Partners’ architectural masterpiece, a seamless fusion of the geometric with the organic.
For this exclusive collaboration with Sir Peter Blake, Sarah Burgess, the Lead Whisky Maker to the left of the label, has selected an inimitable single malt from 1967. As with Sir Peter’s creation and the Distillery itself, it is the only one of its kind in existence. Rich, flavour notes of sweet oak, hazelnut burst and strawberry are swelled with hints of pineapple, light spiced peach and warm chocolate. Fifty years spent in European sherry seasoned oak casks has cast its spell.
Sir Peter’s grand assembly captures it all: harmony, ingenuity, teamwork and artistic brilliance.
The single malt that his celebratory wraps is, in many ways, a wonder the equal of the Distillery now standing on The Macallan Estate.
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.
Discover More Anecdotes
Thirteen distinct single malts, all featuring artwork designed by Sir Peter Blake.