The Macallan unveils the 1894 Master Series

Edrington brand The Macallan single malt whisky has unveiled The 1824 Masters Series featuring two new blends in decanters by Lalique. Taking inspiration from The Macallan’s iconic triangle, the design of each decanter showcases the whisky’s natural colour and The Macallan style. 

"Sitting atop Ruby within the current 1824 Series, these striking new decanters, each one magnificent in status and appearance, will carry whisky connoisseurs through the range to the crescendo of M, the halo of the entire series and the world’s most valuable single malt whisky." Ken Grier, director of malts, Edrington, says. 

“The new 1824 Masters Series represents an extremely exciting development for The Macallan.  The stunning designs and overall imprint of this new collection are not only worthy of some of our most complex and precious single malt whiskies, they celebrate the very foundations that make The Macallan so special – our glorious range of natural colour and the outstanding quality of our casks.”

The Macallan Reflexion (43% ABV, £900) is a reflection of the foremost influence of first fill sherry seasoned oak casks, drawing its colour and flavour from maturation in hogshead casks.  These are smaller casks, which allow for greater surface area of wood to interact with the spirit to deliver an intricate character driven by the influence of both Spanish and American oak casks. 

Sculpted through the inspiration of The Macallan’s triangular shape, Reflexion is has style and stature.  Its angular facets reflect the light to showcase the deep red mahogany hue of the whisky within.  

The depth of the colour and the complexity of flavour of Reflexion derive from the casks selected for this distinctive expression by the Master Whisky Maker. Bold and full-bodied, Reflexion is a celebration of floral and vanilla notes, punctuated with fresh apples and apricots.

The Macallan No.6 (43% ABV, £2,800) brings together the art of The Macallan master whisky maker with the exquisite craftsmanship of Lalique resulting in a piece of timeless elegance.  Exclusively designed and crafted for The Macallan, this flawless crystal decanter pays homage to the single malt’s heritage through its use of triangular facets representing the Six Pillars, incorporating the iconic triangular feature as a key element of its creation.

Silvio Denz, chairman and CEO of Lalique, says: “Lalique is very proud to have contributed to the exquisite Macallan 1824 Masters Series N°6 Decanter. The angular shape of N°6 with its six facets was the outcome of our head designer’s excellent creativity and the work of Lalique’s master craftsmen. This collaboration reinforces Lalique’s long standing commitment to The Macallan and it has been a pleasure to create No.6, a unique object d’art.”

The classically beautiful Lalique decanter encases complex single malt made using only first fill Spanish sherry oak casks from a single Jerez cooperage.  The design enhances the rich dark walnut colour of a classic Macallan character, a celebration of richness, spice and dried fruit with a layer of heady orange groves.

The Macallan’s master of wood, Stuart MacPherson, says: “Wood sits at the very heart of what we do at The Macallan and this range further demonstrates the vital role of our casks in the production of these superb whiskies.  Our commitment to sherry seasoned oak casks is unquestionable and the Masters Series showcases The Macallan at its very best. ”

The Macallan 1824 Masters Series is a collection of whiskies created to showcase the range of The Macallan’s natural colour.  As you move through the collection, each expression becomes increasingly dark and more complex. 

23 February 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor