The Macallan is beginning celebrations for its 200th anniversary in 2024 with the launch of Tales of The Macallan Volume II, pays homage to Alexander Reid, founder of this whisky distillery who distilled its first whisky on the Easter Elchies Estate in Speyside.
Tales of The Macallan Volume II is a hyper-rare, $89,000 Scotch whisky from 1949 and limited to just 344 decanters. Bottled in 2022 at a cask strength of 44.8%, the 74 Year Old becomes one of the oldest whiskies ever released by the distillery. Only the Red Collection’s 77 and 78 Year Old, and the 81-year-old Reach, beats it for age. Delivered in a handsome bespoke Lalique decanter.
The liquid is further concealed within an 800-page tome with chapters adorned with gorgeous illustrations by renowned British artist, Andrew Davidson. Known for his traditional print techniques using wood engravings, Andrew’s work has included postage stamps for the UK’s Royal Mail and designs for the glass doors at Wimbledon’s Centre Court. The handcrafted, 800-page volume hand-fashioned by traditional London-based bookbinders Shepherds, Sangorski & Sutcliffe and Zaehnsdorf also uses artisan paper, ink and printing processes on each carefully crafted page, and the effort “demanded extraordinary technical expertise to conceal the decanter.”
The liquid itself brings aromas of rich forest fruits, aromatic woodsmoke, antique oak and mixed spice which fill the nose, alongside vanilla bean and a subtle herbal notes. Black cherries, plum jam, dark chocolate orange and ginger sponge flavours on the palate, with hints of cloves, woodsmoke and loose tea leaves leading into a long, sweet and smoky finish.