To the delight of well-heeled whisky lovers around the world, Macallan has unveiled its latest masterwork of alcoholic alchemy, with an exclusive bottling from 1950. Called Tales of The Macallan Volume 1, the 71-year-old single malt will be the first of a series of special releases that pay tribute to the founding members of the famed distillery.
As the first edition of the series, this release pays tribute to Captain John Grant, the Laird of Easter Elchies. Around 1700, it was Captain Grant who identified the good whisky making conditions in Easter Elchies Estate, and paved the way for the establishment of the Macallan Distillery at the site in 1824.
As you’d expect for such a rare single malt, the Tales of The Macallan Volume 1 arrives in a specially designed crystal decanter designed by the French crystal maker Lalique. The Lalique decanter arrives snugly tucked away in an 800-page leather-bound book, which contains a series of drawings by the British artist, Andrew Davidson.
The green leather-bound book, complete with embossed gold details, was produced by the traditional bookmaking company Shepherds Bookbinders at the special order of Macallan. The illustrations within the hefty tome depict the life of Captain John Grant and his close links with Easter Elchies. The same illustrations can be found etched into the lightly-frosted Lalique decanter.
While the presentation box is unique in its execution, the whisky within is equally special with Golden Aiguillette colour to it. On the nose you should expect a blend of antique oak, grapefruit zest, vanilla, woodsmoke, nutmeg, melon, ripe plum and almond. Arriving at the palate, and the Tales of The Macallan Volume 1 will offer flavours of peach and apple, wood spice with ginger and hints of clove, sweet wood smoke and Yuzu.
Only 350 bottles will be released of Tales of The Macallan Volume 1, and you can expect a £60,000 (AUD$113,000) price tag. With Father’s Day just a week away, perhaps you should treat the old man this year.
Source: NICK KENYON