To mark its “200 Years Young”, The Macallan estate is releasing two unique new whiskies in a celebration of the brand’s interpretation of time travel through whisky mastery, presented in bespoke vessels created through cutting edge engineering and ancient craftsmanship.
The first is TIME : SPACE – a dual chamber vessel that includes the oldest whisky released by The Macallan at 84 Years Old, as well as a second single malt that marks the first from the brand’s new distillery. The second release, TIME : SPACE Mastery, is a unique single malt with layers of complexity that embraces 200 years of history. Both releases are symbolic expressions of The Macallan, shaped by an ongoing dedication to incomparable craftsmanship and creativity, while highlighting a deep connection to nature. The Macallan has designed both creations in the TIME : SPACE COLLECTION to depict nature’s protection of its future, while also representing time travel with the past and future combined.
With only 200 in existence, one for each year of The Macallan’s History, TIME : SPACE captures the essence of time travel – a spirit spanning incomparable craft across generations. The vessel has been designed with two chambers to hold each of the whiskies – housed in the outer chamber is the 1940 vintage, representing the past. Two casks meticulously hand selected – a first fill American Oak Butt and second fill European Oak Butt – both seasoned with sherry in Jerez de la Frontera and matured peacefully surrounded by nature in Speyside, Scotland.
Bottled at 43.6% ABV, an extraordinary 84 years of maturation has produced rich natural colour, exceptional depth and richness and full, long-lasting flavour unique to this rare, aged single malt Scotch whisky.
As a counterpart, the single malt housed in the central chamber is a 2018 vintage, marking a significant milestone as the first ever whisky from The Macallan’s new distillery – a nod to the future of the brand and its commitment to excellence in its whiskies. During the transition to new Distillery in 2018, The Macallan went to exacting standards to secure the continuity of the single malt quality and signature taste.
The unique vessel is displayed in an oak sculpture which has been purposefully designed to accentuate the 100% natural colour of the whisky, and alternate layers of American oak and European oak have been selected to craft the display sculpture, as a homage to the brand’s commitment to sherry seasoned oak casks.
Anniversary
Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan, commented: “It was an absolute privilege to be able to reach back in time and select stock from the 1940’s to honour and celebrate our 200 year anniversary.
“As a Whisky Mastery Team, our roles are unique in the sense that we get to time travel – selecting whisky from the past crafted by our predecessors, whilst simultaneously laying down casks for future generations of whisky makers and consumers. To nose, taste and select whisky created over eight decades ago is an exceptionally rare occasion in the life of a whisky maker and one which I will treasure.”
“For the 2018 vintage, the prospect of selecting a younger cask created a lot of excitement in the sample room – it is an opportunity to give others an insight into The Macallan’s future. This marked the first year of production in our new Distillery, which is truly a significant moment to be cherished. Through a fusion of art and science we have ensured the continuity of the character of our whisky.”
TIME : SPACE Mastery embraces 200 years of history – a one-of-a-kind The Macallan release celebrating the craft of whisky mastery by featuring 14 exceptional cask types, creating layers of complexity with an incredible depth of aroma, texture and flavour.
“Inspired by past masters, we have explored the full extent of our warehouses to capture the complex influences of cask seasoning, oak origin, cask size and distillery character in one incredibly special bottle of whisky – with the elegance provided by European Oak sitting at its heart.”
Euan Kennedy, Lead Whisky Maker, for TIME : SPACE Mastery.
With whisky drawn from the breadth of our exceptional inventory, there are distinct influences from European Oak sherry seasoned casks, American Oak sherry seasoned casks, American Oak Bourbon casks and the finest refill casks. Together, creating layers of complexity and a voluptuous depth in aroma, flavour and texture. This exquisite expression encompasses The Macallan’s whisky mastery and highlights the unwavering commitment to protecting and nurturing this craft for the future.
The whisky is housed in a crafted circular vessel representing the circle of life and the ongoing journey from the past to the future. In contrast to the subtilty of the exterior, the presentation case bursts to life with a vibrant red colour – synonymous with The Macallan – and 200 spikes, for the brand’s bicentennial year, represent how nature guards what is most precious and fragile. The intricate details are created using techniques stemming from the art of origami, to protect what is most valued for The Macallan, its incomparable whisky.
Anticipation
Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, said: “The introduction of TIME : SPACE COLLECTION is an incredible way to pay respect to our 200th anniversary by celebrating the significance of those who have come before us, yet it is also a symbol of anticipation of what is to come, as we build upon our heritage and look to times ahead.”
The release of TIME : SPACE COLLECTION is accompanied by a global marketing campaign, leading with two hero films that take audiences on a journey through a spiky world where time flows and nature protects what is most precious. The films follow two distinct stories, yet both highlight The Macallan’s intrinsic connection to nature through different characters, animals and plants.
The campaign will be unveiled from 8th October in high-impact 3D outdoor billboards across the US (inc. The Sphere, Las Vegas), UK (Piccadilly Circus, London), China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and be supported by an integrated digital and print campaign.
The Macallan’s TIME : SPACE is available to purchase through invitation from The Macallan, with price available upon application.
The Macallan’s TIME: SPACE Mastery will be available to purchase from The Macallan, subject to availability and location, as well as via The Macallan Society Ballot in the UK and Europe.
Tasting Notes
TIME: SPACE
1940 Vintage | Aged 84 Years
Nose: Dark chocolate coated ginger, sticky dates and leather combine with antique oak and delicate hints of aromatic peat and ground coffee.
Palate: Charred pineapple and baked peaches lead to crystalised ginger, hints of aniseed, blackberry jam and sweet woodsmoke. Rich resinous notes linger on the palate alongside caramelised sugar.
Finish: An extremely long finish with notes of dark chocolate and toasted oak.
ABV: 43.4%
2018 Vintage | Aged 5 Years
Nose: Vibrant notes of fresh green apple and ripe pears, leads onto rich sticky toffee, honey, vanilla custard and soft woodspice.
Palate: Golden sultanas and baked apples develop into buttery pastry dusted in icing sugar. Hints of lemon and lime follow, alongside vanilla shortbread.
Finish: A medium finish, creamy, with sweet oak.
ABV: 54.9%
TIME: SPACE Mastery
Nose: Sumptuous Medjool dates, sweet baked figs and rich milk chocolate accompanied by delicate hints of honey and tropical character, reminiscent of dried mango and ripe papaya. Encapsulated by complex sweet oak.
Palate: A real sweetness is evident with sherry-soaked dried fruits, orange marmalade and honeycomb.
Soft spiced notes of ginger and cinnamon develop
Finish: Bursts of caramelised pineapple and creamy vanilla linger with the exquisite balance of subtle dark chocolate and coffee.
ABV: 43.6%.
https://www.themacallan.com/en/single-malt-scotch-whisky/time-space-collection#open-experience
