Macallan 72 year old in Lalique decanter. Photo: Two More Glasses
Source:
https://scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3181922/4-rare-unique-whiskies-stand-out-flavour-and-design-macallan Luxury
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
Why are rare whiskys rising in popularity? Photo: Two More Glasses
The popularity of rare whiskies has continued to rise in recent years – as have their price tags. But some boast a uniqueness not just in flavour, but in the whole package. We’ve rounded up four of the best below …
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.
As one of the world’s first legal Scotch whisky distillers, Macallan’s heritage runs deep through the hills of Scotland’s northeastern reaches. It’s no wonder then, that the focal point of inspiration – the new US$173 million Speyside distillery – pays tribute to its surroundings. This is evident not just in this recent, limited-edition venture, but through its name, too: Macallan is derived from two Gaelic words, magh meaning fertile land, and ellan, meaning “of St Fillian”, a reference to an 18th century monk who travelled across the region.
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.
2. Glenlivet 1940 80 Year Old
Glenlivet 1940 80 year old. Photo: Handout
The oldest single malt ever bottled, Glenlivet’s 1940 whisky was distilled in February that year, before production was halted owing to World War II rationing, shuttering the whole whisky industry for the remainder of the war. Purchases are accompanied by Sir David Adjaye-designed bespoke decanters, approx US$112,600.
3. Yamazaki 1979 29 Years Old Mizunara Oak Cask
Yamazaki 1979. Photo: Handout
Fully matured in an oak cask – a rarely used method owing to the strength of the flavour it imparts – this vintage single malt from Yamazaki distillery was bottled in 2008. The Yamazaki 1979 29 year old isn’t only strong on the palate: this single malt packs a surprising punch, at 55 per cent, US$99,400.
4. Macallan X Sir Peter Blake Anecdotes of Ages Down to Work 50 years old
Macallan X Sir Peter Blake Anecdotes of Ages collection Down to Work 50 years old. Photo: Handout
This highly coveted sherry cask single malt was bottled in 2018, and hails from the high altitude Karuizawa distillery, located on the foothills of Mount Asama in the centre of Japan’s Honshu island. A limited release available in two versions – black and white – sees the bottles housed in an ornate wooden case, US$74,900.