The Macallan is once again setting the standards in the world of fine whisky with the launch of Tales of The Macallan Volume I, which will be the first in a series of rare and distinguished Scotch whiskies.
Each of the whiskies in this prestigious new series will help piece together The Macallan’s long and storied history. Tales of The Macallan Volume I, The Laird of Easter Elchies is being released in homage Captain John Grant, who, in 1700, began transforming his wild familial Speyside lands into the Easter Elchies Estate, which has been heralded as the home of The Macallan since it was founded in 1824.
Captain Grant’s willingness to reject convenience and convention, as well as his commitment to uncompromised excellence have continued to be guiding principles for The Macallan, making a whisky in his name a natural fit as the first in what promises to be a highly sought-after series.
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As a born farmer, Grant’s respect for nature and understanding of the tangible benefits of working in harmony with the natural world has also remained integral to The Macallan throughout the years. As the climate crisis becomes ever more urgent, the revered distillery has continued to examine its environmental impact and adapted its strict sustainability policy accordingly.
The estate is tended to carefully, putting the numerous indigenous wildlife species that call it home first; the distillery adheres to progressive packaging principles by using locally sourced and fully recyclable materials; and water and energy usage is carefully monitored with a steadfast aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 in place.
The Macallan’s lead whisky maker Sarah Burgess said: “Tales of The Macallan tells of remarkable individuals and an exceptional spirit, a story of The Macallan’s incredible pioneers. Each of these people left their mark on The Macallan with their unique contribution and legacy alive in our brand’s DNA and in every drop of our whisky to this day.
“Tales of The Macallan Volume I is a tribute to Captain John Grant, whose contribution paved the way for The Macallan and brought the influence of nature and community spirit,” she continued. “As custodians of the Estate, we are continuously inspired by our environment, upholding our responsibility to nurture and protect the wonderful natural habitat that is home to our distillery.”
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Tales of The Macallan Volume I is a distinctive expression rich with grapefruit, vanilla, woodsmoke and nutmeg on the nose, and a palate of apple, wood spice and hints of clove. The single malt was distilled in 1950 and bottled in 2021 under the expert guidance of Burgess.
The rare liquid will be housed in a bespoke crystal decanter by revered French glassmaker Lalique, which is then concealed within the pages of a handcrafted book, bound in leather and 24ct gold leaf. Surrounding the decanter will be a series of illustrations by world-famous illustrator Andrew Davidson, whose previous works included UK Royal Mail postage stamps and Harry Potter book covers. Davidson’s drawings will immortalize the story of Captain Grant’s life on paper, from military man to laird of what would later become a fruitful whisky estate.
The Tales of The Macallan series is highly limited, with just 350 decanters of the first edition available worldwide for £60,000 (approx. $82,700) promising to make it one of the most sought-after whisky collectibles on the market.
Tales of The Macallan Volume I, The Laird of Easter Elchies is available exclusively at The Macallan Estate, The Macallan Boutiques and premium off-trade retailers.
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