The Macallan unveils The Macallan Colour Collection, a set of five age-statement single malt Scotch whiskies exclusive to global travel retail.
Swing by Changi Airport for a flight next time, and you might just catch sight of the vibrant new whisky collection from The Macallan. The Macallan Colour Collection marks a refresh of the travel retail offerings from the popular Speyside single malt Scotch luxury whisky brand, bringing colour – pun fully intended – to the booze shelves of Lotte Duty Free.
The new collection marks the return of age-statement whiskies from The Macallan to global travel retail. Comprising five expressions – 12 Years Old, 15 Years Old, 18 Years Old, 21 Years Old, and a 30 Years Old – each of them features a new visual identity that pays tribute to the brand’s heritage and spiritual home in Craigellachie.
The colourful abstract designs that adorn the livery and packaging of the new expressions were created in collaboration with visionary US graphic designer David Carson; you may remember his earlier work with the brand for The Macallan Concept No.3. Carson took inspiration from Spain’s Jerez de la Frontera winemaking region, whose sherries and oak casks contribute flavour, complexity, and yes, colour, to the whiskies of The Macallan.
The paler yellow hues on 12 Years Old and 15 Years Old expressions signify the arid Jerez terroir, for example, while the more auburn 18 Years Old is inspired by the Jerez evening sun. The 21 Years Old and 30 Years Old, both of which come in wooden boxes sourced from sustainable oak, symbolise The Macallan’s strong ties with nature.
The colours of the packaging also reflect the liquid within. The golden sunshine on the 12 Years Old, the radiant copper on the 15 Years Old, or the burnished chestnut of the 30 Years Old, for example, hint at the natural colour derived from maturing in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks.
“The Macallan Colour Collection is a visual celebration of our commitment to natural colour and sherry seasoning, with each of the five distinctive whiskies taking travellers through a compelling sensory journey of the remarkable spectrum of natural hues derived from maturation in The Macallan’s sherry seasoned oak casks,” shares Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker at The Macallan.
“It is these exceptional oak casks which are the single greatest contributor to the quality, flavours and distinctive aromas at the heart of our single malts. Deepening in colour with age, each expression tells its own story,” says Campbell.
Of course, anyone who knows their whiskies will tell you that colour is no true indication of age when it comes to whisky, but the use of this colour spectrum is still a fun visual reminder.
And in case you’re wondering, The Macallan Colour Collection set of whiskies are predominantly matured using sherry-seasoned American oak, which just a subtle touch of softer European oak for complexity and balance.
“The Macallan Colour Collection is a visual representation of our acclaimed Six Pillars and allows travellers to explore our commitment to natural colour and the influence of sherry seasoning in a rich and compelling way,” says Jeremy Speirs, Regional Managing Director, Edrington Global Travel Retail.
“The range is a prism through which travellers can immerse themselves in the craftsmanship of The Macallan, exploring the characteristics which make our single malt whiskies so unique, while underpinning our renowned quality and character,” Speirs adds.
The Macallan Colour Collection, a global travel retail exclusive, is available from Lotte Duty Free in Changi Airport from 1 September 2023 at the following recommended retail prices:
- 12 Years Old – S$109
- 15 Years Old – S$224
- 18 Years Old – S$475
- 21 Years Old – S$1,485
- 30 Years Old – S$6,000
Official Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan Colour Collection
12 Years Old
nose Sweet oak, lemon peel with vanilla biscuits and pear.
palate Syrup sponge with citrus curd, orchard fruits and a hint of nutmeg.
finish Medium with sweet oak and citrus peel.
abv 40%
15 Years Old
nose Gentle oak, vanilla toffee, candied orange peel and crystalised ginger.
palate Sweet citrus pastry with creamy vanilla custard and baked peaches.
finish Medium with toasted oak, citrus and cinnamon.
abv 43%
18 Years Old
nose Clementine, panna cotta, baked apples with sultanas, sweet oak.
palate Vanilla sponge, milk chocolate with orange, citrus peel, oak and honeycomb.
finish Medium with sweet oak and orange.
abv 43%
21 Years Old
nose Crème brûlée, candied orange and lemon, sweet aged oak with caramelised pineapple.
palate Tropical fruits, candied ginger, coffee creme, hazelnuts, dark chocolate orange and cardamom.
finish Medium with balanced oak spices.
abv 43%
30 Years Old
nose Pineapple, dried mango, caramelised banana, crème brûlée with sweet aged oak and orange oil.
palate Tropical fruits with almond, touch of cinnamon and nutmeg intertwined with creamy baked custard and crystallised lemon peel.
finish Medium with sweet woodspice and tropical fruits.
abv 43%
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