4 rare, unique whiskies with stand-out flavour and design, from the Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique to decades-old bottles from Glenlivet and Yamasaki
- Only 600 decanters of the Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique, whose packaging is architecturally beautiful too, were ever produced, making the spirit a rare luxury to own indeed
- The decanter mirrors the roof of Macallan’s new US$173 million Speyside distillery, while the crystal reflects its commitment to craftsmanship inherent in every dram
1. The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique
The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique is one such whisky. Released in 2018 to celebrate the opening of Macallan’s distillery and visitor centre, unrivalled craftsmanship from the worlds of whisky, architecture and crystal converged to produce a limited edition series of 600 decanters.
Designed by renowned architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the team behind London’s Millennium Dome, the new distillery has been set in a series of grass-covered mounds that blend into their surroundings and thereby pay tribute to the landscape which has supported Macallan’s nearly 200-year history.
The handcrafted crystal Genesis decanter’s gentle curves reflect the shape of the new subterranean Macallan distillery, mirroring the curvature of its roof, while the delicate, precise nature of the crystal reflects the commitment to craftsmanship inherent in every dram.
Lalique’s rich heritage parallels Macallan’s own. Founded in 1888 by renowned jeweller-turned-glassmaker Rene Lalique, today the company is a leader in their field and synonymous with their craft.
As one of the world’s first legal Scotch whisky distillers, Macallan’s heritage runs deep through the hills of Scotland’s northeastern reaches
Completing the experience, decanters are housed in a lacquered wooden case designed by Burgess Studio and handcrafted by N.E.J. Stevenson, who holds the prestigious Royal Warrant for cabinetry and furniture. This insures every aspect of the product is a collectible in its own right, reinforcing the craftsmanship and creativity in every last drop of whisky.
Finally, and for any true connoisseur, most importantly, the whisky itself. Golden amber in colour, the 72-year-old is one of the oldest whiskies Macallan has ever released. Distilled in the 1940s, it has matured to deliver a delicate, peaty smoked flavour balanced with the sweetness of vanilla, citrus fruit and green apple, delivering a medium-bodied, fruity finish.