Introducing the visionary collaboration between The Macallan and Bentley Motors, an inspirational and innovative limited edition single malt whisky.
The Macallan Horizon is an expression of our partnership with Bentley Motors that looks to the future. A fusion of traditional craftsmanship and cutting edge technology featuring a revolutionary horizontal design.
Extensive collaboration with Bentley Motors has led to the development of this product, where purpose meets innovation, craftsmanship and beauty.
The Materials
Through this partnership we sought to pay homage to our Six Pillars, the foundation stones that underpin the renowned quality and rich character of our whisky. The product packaging incorporates six materials integral to both The Macallan and Bentley Motors.
Designed with a collective of specialist suppliers, using highly skilled artisanal and precision engineering techniques, our commitment to craftsmanship, creativity and innovation allowed us to challenge each other and push the boundaries of the possible.
Copper
A material fundamental to our single malt whisky, The Macallan Horizon features a copper frame precision engineered from recycled copper, which includes copper from the disused Curiously Small Stills, which were located within our former Distillery. The Macallan’s Curiously Small Copper Stills contribute a rich and fruity character to our new make spirit.
Aluminium
Aluminium recovered from the Bentley Motors manufacturing process has also been incorporated. The sculptural foundation and bodywork of a Bentley motorcar features aluminium for its remarkable strength, versatility and stunning visual impact. The Macallan Horizon’s glass vessel is enveloped by an aluminium ribbon, precision engineered to Bentley’s exacting standards, in homage to this key material used in the engineering of a Bentley motorcar.
Wood
A material integral to both brands, The Macallan Horizon features an inlay of oak on the closure, crafted from one of the six casks used in the maturation of this whisky. The sculpture is finished with Bentley’s Crown Cut Walnut veneer, a specification meticulously developed for Bentley vehicles.
Glass
Glass is a material intrinsic to both The Macallan and Bentley. A foundational material to both brands, The Macallan Horizon is presented in a highly innovative and unique bespoke glass vessel designed to be displayed horizontally, featuring a unique 180-degree twist detail.
Leather
Ethically sourced leather has been used to ornately finish and protect The Macallan Horizon. Chosen carefully and crafted with precision and pride, leather hides contribute enormously to the sense of comfort and refinement in every Bentley. At The Macallan, we believe in craftsmanship and have the greatest respect for the materials used in everything we do. To protect the vessel, The Macallan Horizon’s sculpture is lined with the finest low carbon leather, expertly crafted, in a chestnut colourway.
The Whisky
The final component is the very special single malt being created for The Macallan Horizon. The Macallan Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell is developing the flavour profile for the whisky following a visit to Bentley Motors in Crewe, where she observed first hand their shared passion for creativity, craftsmanship and innovation. The result is a sophisticated and bold single malt whisky, crafted from six individual casks to capture the essence of a Bentley motorcar through taste, texture and natural colour.
"Our collaboration with Bentley Motors and the knowledge exchange we have undertaken as a result has inspired us to see things very differently. In the spirits world, everything is upright, such as our stills and our bottles. When we looked at the horizontal direction pursued by Bentley Motors as part of the automotive industry, it made us consider if and how we could adapt this format for whisky, which ultimately requires to be poured."
Jaume Ferras
Creative Director, The Macallan
Together, the six key materials form a unique concept that defies the traditional vertical aesthetic of a whisky bottle. The design reflects the horizontal trajectory of the automotive world, pushing the boundaries and the art of the possible.
The visionary design also features a glass bottle with an extraordinary 180-degree twist, representing the mastery of space and time achieved by both brands in creating the prototype, which has no standing base.
About the Partnership
We announced our global partnership with Bentley Motors in July 2021. United by a dedication to craftsmanship, creativity, innovation and sustainability, we have both committed to share learnings from our respective industries while continuing to pursue the uncompromised excellence that informs everything we do.
The Macallan Horizon celebrates this union and a pursuit of a better future.