The Macallan Art is the Flower
Matured in sherry seasoned European oak casks expressing notes of raisin and fig, polished oak, cherry, almonds, orange and treacle.
The Macallan Art is the Flower celebrates the uniqueness of natural beauty and the circularity of life and nature. With this exclusive expression of The Macallan single malt whisky we pay tribute to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, inspired by his art and poetic prose.
The Macallan Art is the Flower has been respectfully crafted to celebrate the circularity of nature captured in Mackintosh’s 1902 stained-glass panel ‘The Spirit of the Rose’.
Art in Nature
Inspired by Mackintosh’s exceptional depiction of nature in architecture, art and design, The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team’s exemplary art of whisky making is expressed in The Macallan Art is the Flower single malt scotch whisky.
This single malt, matured in sherry seasoned European oak casks, recognising Mackintosh’s time in Europe, presents a beautiful, deeply coloured whisky with flavour characteristics that have been allowed to develop naturally over time.
Art is the Flower, with aroma and tasting notes of fruits that bear their own blossoms, is a delicate nod to the beautiful words from Mackintosh’s lecture on Seemliness.
The Whisky
The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team expresses their art in this exceptional deep oak single malt matured in sherry seasoned European oak casks with notes of raisin and fig, polished oak, cherry, almonds, orange and treacle.
A palate of sweet oak, vanilla, ginger, apple and a wisp of tea leaf with a finish that is long, sweet, rich and full.
THE EXPERIENCE
Colour
Bringing together art, whisky and poetry
A Harmonious Collaboration
This art collaboration explores nature and its power to inspire. The inspiration for this beautiful release is the world renowned Scottish architect, designer and artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh whose unique style continues to influence artisans and global projects today.
Mackintosh's 1902 stained-glass panel 'The Spirit of the Rose' gracefully captures the philosophy of the tree of life with unique and iconic visual character. His interpretation of the perpetual advance of nature inspired the creation of The Macallan Art is the Flower.
Mackintosh poetically considered art as the flower to life's green leaf. He appealed to the arts and crafts community in his 1902 lecture on Seemliness to ‘offer the flowers of the art that is in you – the symbols of all that is noble – and beautiful – and inspiring.’
The Poetic excerpt
To commemorate the special significance of poetry, The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society selected a poetic excerpt from a lecture by Mackintosh in 1902 beginning ‘Art is the flower.’
The piece draws parallels between art, nature and the soul, and encourages the audience to ‘offer the flowers of the art that is in you’.
“Art is the Flower - Life is the Green Leaf / Let every artist strive to make his flower a beautiful living thing - something that will convince the world that there may be - there are things more precious - more beautiful more lasting than life. But to do this you must offer real living - beautifully coloured flowers - flowers that grow from but above the green leaf – flowers that are not dead – are not dying – not artificial – real flowers springing from your own soul – not even cut flowers - you must offer the flowers of the art that is in you – the symbols of all that is noble – and beautiful – and inspiring - flowers that will often change a colourless cheerless life - into an animated thoughtful thing.”
Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1902
This lecture excerpt is detailed inside the exquisite pack which takes direct inspiration from ‘The Spirit of The Rose’ panel.
Learn More of the Collaboration
A Shared Story of Nature and Legacy
For over two centuries, The Macallan has been an emblem of craftsmanship and legacy, drawing inspiration from nature.
A documentary-style set of short films explores the influence on and of Charles Rennie Mackintosh through characters from different artistic disciplines that share the influence Mackintosh has had on them. Each film speaks to the shared values and synergies between The Macallan, Mackintosh and each of the characters.
A special thanks to The Hill House, House of an Art Lover, Mackintosh at the Willow and Macintosh Queen's Cross for access to some of the most cherished and iconic locations by Mackintosh.