The Macallan has unveiled a new Scotch whisky expression dedicated to the iconic British pop artist Sir Peter Blake. The Anecdotes of Ages Collection consists of 13 one-of-a-kind bottles of exceptional 1967 whisky, each labeled with its own original piece of collage art from Sir Peter.
The 1967 liquid was chosen to represent the year that Sir Peter’s unique collage style transcended the art world and into pop culture. Together, the 13 labels detail stories relating to The Macallan’s history, its community and the incredible Speyside landscape that surrounds its distillery.
“I am deeply inspired by the incredible legacy of The Macallan and its emphasis on family, tradition and the natural world,” said Sir Peter. “Each collage is inspired by The Macallan’s history and heritage, one that respects time and craft, two essential components of my own creative process. I meticulously worked on each collage, pulling from The Macallan estate’s rich history to complete a collection that is a celebration of art and whisky.”
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Sir Peter Blake creating his design / ©The Macallan
One of the incredibly scarce original bottles will be auctioned with Sotheby’s in March to benefit Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s diversity, equity, access and inclusion initiatives. The donation will advance efforts underway at the Guggenheim to increase free access and develop engagement with a variety of audiences in alignment with the museum’s diversity, equity, access and inclusion initiatives.
The 13th bottle will be retained by The Macallan archive, but the fate of the remaining 11 is yet to be confirmed. When they are released, they will be accompanied by a leather-bound book showcasing all 13 label artworks and corresponding stories as well as a certificate of authenticity.
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Collectors will also have the opportunity to get their hands on the same rare 1967 liquid as part of a wider release. The Macallan is releasing just 322 bottles, which will come with a duplicate label of Blake’s original work, at a price of $83,000. Interested buyers should reach out directly to The Macallan for purchasing inquiries.
“This exceptional 1967 whisky was chosen for its classic yet distinctively colorful character, which is reminiscent of Sir Peter’s work of the same year,” said Sarah Burgess, The Macallan lead whisky maker. “With notes of oak and fig leading to a burst of hazelnut and strawberry, this is a truly special single malt that finishes with complex flavors of chocolate and lightly spiced peach. It is, in many ways, its own work of art.”
Finally, The Macallan is releasing a wider special-edition whisky that will be displayed in a custom box inspired by Sir Peter’s art for $1,200.
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You can explore The Anecdotes of Ages Collection on a virtual art exhibition, which allows whisky and art enthusiasts to explore the inspirations behind the collaboration. Attendees can explore the works that shot Sir Peter to global fame. There are also detailed stories behind each of his 13 pieces that will feature on the exclusive bottles.
An Estate, a Community and a Distillery Collection / ©Mary McCartney
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