A Study in Red
A Multifaceted Colour
It is no coincidence that we have chosen to name our oldest collection of whiskies to date “The Red Collection”. This colour has deep and long-standing significance for The Macallan, and has found expression in our processes, and through key people in our history as a symbol of our continual pursuit of perfection.
Journeying through The Red Collection
Celebrated Spanish painter and illustrator Javi Aznarez created a story of three key moments in the history of The Macallan, observed from the present time, as the inspiration to the Red Collection.
About The Colour Red
The colour red holds many connotations, implications and associations. It is related to a myriad of feelings and emotions from joy to passion and courage. Different countries signify it with particular events or traditions, such as marriage in India or a lucky new year in Asia.
Red Facts
Primary
Red is a primary colour.
Wavelength
It has the longest wavelength.
First
Red is the first observable colour by human beings.
Language
The history of languages reveals that red is the first colour after black and white, which are hues, more than colours.
Red is in Our Roots
The Macallan has been shaped by key figures in our history, from our founder Alexander Reid in 1824 through to Allan Shiach in the 1980s. These characters contain three stories from different times, and they had different ambitions. However, they shared one common attitude that is expressed through and captures the colour red: our deep respect for tradition and craftsmanship.

Alexander Reid
Reid is a surname of Scottish origin, meaning “red”. This surname is derived from a nickname, 'the Red,' a nickname usually given on account of a person’s ruddy face or the sanguine red complexion of their hair. Our founder, Alexander Reid carried this colour with him in his name from the very beginning of The Macallan.
Roderick Kemp
Proprietor of The Macallan from 1892 to 1909, it would be easy to imagine Victorian gentleman Roderick Kemp in a world of black and white, of thick fog and grey coats. But there was fire in his soul. Red is better since he noticed the warmth of the sun in the scent of sherry, a hint of acorns shining in the wood, and he was inspired to brand his ‘Choice Old Whisky’ in bold, red letters.
He was a shrewd businessman and a wine connoisseur. With a focus on excellence, Kemp dared to take The Macallan further than any of his predecessors, and used the colour red to indicate the distinction of a superior product.

An order for M. Ferguson in Calcutta, dated 25th October 1900, lists 31 cases – 62 gallons Macallan at 4/9 per gallon (Black labels) and 17 cases-34 gallons Choice Old Macallan at 5/7 per gallon (Red labels). We see an early distinction between ‘Macallan’ and ‘Choice Old Macallan’, the latter being of a greater, though indeterminate age, and thus of greater value
The Macallan Archival Records




Allan Shiach
A bright and creative mind—still today he works as a script-writer—during his tenure in the 1980s, Shiach took maturation and ageing to a whole new level with his release of 40 and 50 years old whiskies. Some of his rare bottles can be identified today by his signature red ribbon and seal.
Under the management of Allan Shiach, in October 1980, Macallan introduced three rare ‘vintage’ whiskies, dated 1938, 1940 and 1950, presented in special wooden boxes, with a red ribbon around the front label. The boxes were made by Mr Wilson, an undertaker and joiner in nearby Archies town. UK and overseas agents received an allocation, with their names printed on the label.
The Macallan Archival Records
The Colour Red is in our Spirit
The Red Collection is all about time, nature and tradition, celebrating the rich range of reds present naturally in The Macallan—in every step of the process. From the amber fields of barley to the warm copper of our heated stills, from the fire roaring against oak, to the ruby sheen in every glass.