Anecdotes of Ages Collection

Down to Work Limited Edition

Down to Work depicts a story of the era marking our commitment to sherry seasoned oak casks, a dedication that lasts through to today.

A Never Before Told Story...

Created as a limited edition whisky, this particular label artwork was selected because it tells a very important story that reflects a milestone in the history of The Macallan: a time when the decision was made to continue using sherry seasoned oak casks in the face of pressure to compromise. This dedication shapes The Macallan to this day.

The original labelled bottle portraying this special story has been laid in The Macallan Archives, and digital replicas of this label are available as a limited edition. Containing the same rich 1967 spirit, there are only 322 bottles in the same European oak box, accompanied by a green leather book sharing 13 label artworks from Anecdotes of Ages Collection.

Character and Quality

An awareness of the past informs our concern for the future. There are constant reminders that the whisky enjoyed today is thanks to those who have gone before, from individuals who once ran the business to the humblest of mashmen.

By the second half of the twentieth century, The Macallan Distillery was the heart of a thriving social and business community, with employees and their families living on the Estate. When George Harbinson took over in 1947, he had to contend with the aftereffects of wartime closure and the loss of young chairman Gordon Shiach in a tragic car accident.

Anecdotes of Ages Collection Down to Work Label Designed by Sir Peter Blake

The Story behind the Label

Methodically, Harbinson (who was not related to Janet) restored the business with a steady optimism, a stoic get-up-and-go that fuelled the growth of the 1950s and 60s. From his tiny office, in the 1970s, he decreed that The Macallan remain faithful to sherry seasoned oak casks. Quality and continuity were his abiding focus.

On this label Sir Peter Blake chronicles that time, championing workers who devoted their – in many cases – lifelong efforts to whisky making. The Distillery served as the heart of both their working lives and also as a social and family hub. The earlier support for war widows and hardworking Land Girls was an extension of this social philanthropy.

The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection Down to Work Limited Edition Pack shot open

Anecdotes of Ages Collection Pack box closed

The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection Down to Work bottle

The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection Down to Work beside box

The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection Down to Work in open box

The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection Down to Work in open box with tab

The Macallan Down to Work Limited Edition book in Green

It is from this era that the outturn bottled for this collaboration was selected by Lead Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess. Distilled in 1967, its richly promising colour is paid off with deep and intoxicating scents of warm chocolate, pineapple and ginger, flavour notes that round out an outstanding spirit matured, after fifty years in sherry seasoned European oak casks.

This is a resonantly special spirit. Mary McCartney’s photograph places the bottle displaying Sir Peter’s label art in a setting that reminds us of the everyday work and persistent dedication that goes into creating our single malts, and the important characters who laid the groundwork for this special 1967 whisky.

The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection Down to Work Photo by Mary McCartney

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%

The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection Down to Work Mood Shot angled

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.