MACALLAN COLOUR COLLECTION

 MACALLAN TO THE FORE AGAIN

The Macallan Colour Collection 2023

The Macallan unveiled its new Colour Collection on 11 October 2023. This isn’t a limited edition–this range will become a familiar sight in many major sea and airports in the years to come. The brand's Global Travel Retail offerings has been overhauled, with the Colour Collection permanently replacing The Macallan Quest range, a series of non-age statement whiskies that have been a staple in Macallan’s GTR channels since 2017.

Authenticity lies in nature’s untouched beauty and The Macallan Colour Collection exhibition is dedicated to the visual qualities of fine aged whiskies. The new range comprises five age-statement single malts: 12, 15, 18, 21, and 30-year-old expressions. This is great news for those who habitually purchase The Macallan whisky at airport duty free stores, since it marks the return of age-statement Macallan whisky to such outlets after more than a decade; age statement Macallan whiskies had largely vanished from their repertoire since 2009. After a good 13 years of biding their time, the distillery now has a more robust supply of aged whiskies to allow age statement Macallans back in airports.

The Colour Collection’s launched its debut event in Singapore to provide a taste of the range and also learn a bit about the marketing concept behind it. The series highlighted two of the six foundational pillars of The Macallan brand, (1) the natural colour of its whiskies and (2) the quality of oak casks used in the maturation process.

For long-time Macallan fans, the twist lies in the casks used. While all the casks used here were Sherry seasoned – which fans would remember is a signature Macallan touch – this range has been almost entirely matured in American oak. A brand ambassador estimates that the expressions in this Collection were made with a proportion of 80% to 90% in American oak, a departure from the typical Macallan recipe which often leans towards heavy use of European oak. This focus on American oak, or Quercus alba means that there are much fewer tannins and wood extractives compared to European oak. Maturation results in a lighter gold colour for the whisky, and a more appley, floral and citrussy character.

Aesthetically, the bottles in the Colour Collection are slightly more minimalist with a bare back (normally the back is covered by a label), allowing the natural colours of the individual expressions to shine through. The paper packagings, too, have been designed with an undulating helix pattern said to mirror the unique roof design of the new distillery compound at Macallan.

Located alongside the vast Atlantic Ocean, Jerez de la Frontera is a captivating region known for its scorching summers, resilient vineyards, and exquisite wines. It is here that The Macallan meticulously seasons their oak casks with sherry, a crucial element in crafting extraordinary single malt whisky that boasts a deeply radiant, Natural Colour.

The Macallan's dedication to craftsmanship goes beyond the whisky itself. The exquisite presentation boxes for the 12, 15, and 18 Years Old expressions are crafted using eco-friendly materials and are entirely recyclable. For the 21 and 30 Years Old expressions, meticulously carved wooden boxes made from oak harvested from sustainable forests are used. These boxes serve the dual purpose of safeguarding the whisky and can be repurposed, showcasing their unwavering commitment to durability and environmental consciousness.

This collection is now available in The Macallan boutiques situated in key airports globally, starting with those of Singapore, London, Los Angeles, Shanghai and Dubai.

Macallan Colour Collection 12 YO 40% ABV

Appearance: Yellow gold.

Nose: Sweet, rounded and full. Opens with a pronounced vanilla scent, cream with honey just as present. Macallan’s signature cocoa notes also make an appearance. Throughout, it remains gentle and refined, not causing any discomfort to the nose.

Palate: Lighter in flavour and body than anticipated, leaning towards the watery side. There's a touch of light honey and vanilla, complemented by subtle apple undertones. As it sits on the palate, a mild woody character emerges, accompanied by dried lemon peels. However, there's a noticeable heat, almost spicy in nature, that momentarily intensifies to an almost painful degree, giving away a lack of maturity. There’s also a metallic, coppery note.

Finish: Short-lived, leaving behind traces of honey, hay, and dry oak. There's a lingering warmth at the back of the throat.

For a 12 YO, this is just nice. Perhaps a bit too young. And cost? Click on the preceding link.

Macallan Colour Collection 15 YO 43% ABV 

Appearance: Honey.

Nose: Bright and tropical, with soft pineapples being first to greet the senses, followed by vanilla and light coconut flakes. There is more depth here than the 12 Years Old; cocoa notes are more pronounced, with honey and beeswax coming through. There’s also a gradual progression to sweet orange oil and clementine peels, with a hint of caramel rounding it off.

Palate: Much, much more enjoyable on the palate compared to the 12 Years Old. This is richer and more flavourful, with a more viscous texture to boot. Light cocoa powder and honeyed notes alongside vanilla and apricots. The spices are gentle and well-integrated, and there's a mild sweet-savoury undertone that is reminiscent of butterscotch.

Finish: Short but clean. There's a presence of black tea and aromatic oak, ending with a toasty breadiness and a touch of vanilla icing sugar.

The 15 Years Old is a significant step up from the 12; it’s twice the price of the 12 Years Old! This has a flavourful, well-balanced and integrated profile. Honey, cocoa, and spices are all basic notes, yet they’re generous and harmonious, without any off notes whatsoever.

Macallan Colour Collection 18 YO 43% ABV

Appearance: Auburn.

Nose: Reminiscent of the 12 Years Old – vanilla, honey, and cocoa, but with a slightly richer and more complex quality to it. Some sticky date pudding that hints at the Sherry influence, with layers of more perfumed floral aromas. There's a distinct sweetness reminiscent of original-flavoured Japanese Ramune soda.

Palate: Noticeably thick and oily texture. Brown sugar and caramelised peaches come to the fore, followed by buttered sugar toast. Baking spices - notably cinnamon and nutmeg - present themselves without any accompanying heat. Milk chocolate, toffee, the earthy notes of pu'er tea and an unexpected umami mushroomy note.

Finish: Quite short. Lingering notes of honey, before dry oak and spices becomes more pronounced towards the end.

It's a testament to how a few more years in the cask can make a world of difference. All that seems missing is background subtlety.

Macallan Colour Collection 21 YO 43% ABV

Appearance: Copper.

Nose: A festive vibe with raisins, dried cranberries and Christmas cake taking centre stage. Dense date pudding follows closely, and there's a distinct scent of caramelised and fried banana, adding a very tasty touch of dessert.

Palate: The palate is cleaner and brighter than its predecessors. There's a dominant honeyed flavour accompanied by vanilla, and the taste of lemon cream biscuits is unmistakable. But surprisingly, the signature Macallan oaky-chocolatey note is absent. Instead, there's a much fruitier profile, with light apple notes, pineapples and a very light touch of fresh passionfruit making their presence felt, along with a freshness and subtle bitterness of camomile tea.

Finish: Short-lived once again. As louder flavours depart we get a vanillic sweetness and custard cream, and a hint of gristy oat bran. A gentle heat settles at the back of the throat.

An excellent whisky, though lacking that classic Macallan chocolate finish.

Macallan Colour Collection 30 YO 43% ABV

Years of maturation in exceptional oak casks, sturdy American oak casks beautifully accompanied by a delicate touch of European oak, has created a deep flavour profile of wood spice, tropical fruit and crème brûlée that Artist and Graphic Designer David Carson has rendered with juxtaposed cutouts of wood grain, stippled orange paint, and zesty yellow brushstrokes. For its age, it is quite light and relatively one-dimensional. It might have been a lot better if bottled at a higher ABV.

In the foreground, the 30 Years Old stands resplendent, crowned by a burgundy cap that hints at the influence of wine in this age statement, and across the Colour Collection and has been bottled at 43% ABV. With flavours of tropical fruits, nuts and spices, the whisky is a natural, deep chestnut colour.

Appearance: Deep chestnut.

Nose: Pineapple, dried mango, caramelised banana, crème brûlée with sweet aged oak and orange oil.

Palate: Tropical fruits with almond, touch of cinnamon and nutmeg intertwined with creamy baked custard and crystalised lemon peel.

Finish: Medium with sweet woodspice and tropical fruits.

Our Distillery, nestled within the rolling hills of Speyside, serves as an inspiration for the Colour Collection’s reimagined visual identity. The silhouette of the Distillery, with its five hills mirroring the curves of the River Spey, has shaped the visual elements found throughout the Colour Collection’s branding.

From the elegant wave patterns adorning the packaging to the distinctive arc of "The Macallan Scotland" icon, the visual identity harmoniously blends the natural surroundings with state-of-the-art technology, honouring the brand's rich heritage while embracing modernity.