It’s likely that even non-whisky snobs have heard of The Macallan. Whether it’s the rare Macallan 63 Year In Lalique worth $460,000 or the sold-out editions of limited quantity non-age statements (NAS) single malts, and its collaborations with highly acclaimed photographers, the 194-year-old Scottish distillery has a knack for creating a buzz.
This year, following the series of its highly sought-after Masters of Photography editions with famed photographers, including Rankins, Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino, Steven Klein, just to name a few, the brand recently unveiled its latest project with the world’s most famous photographic cooperative, Magnum Photos.
In this edition, renowned Magnum photographers – Steve McCurry, Martin Parr, Paolo Pellegrin, Mark Power, Gueorgui Pinkhassov and Alec Soth – were tasked to capture different aspects of the new distillery. From the landscape and the materials from which the distillery is born, to the faces of those who made this project a success.
Sarah Burgess, The Macallan Whisky Maker and a photography enthusiast, concocted a single malt crafted from a combination of eight casks, with unique characteristics to reflect on the photography style of each of the Magnum photographers. A spicy gingered cask to reflect on McCurry’s bold and brave style. Parr’s oblique view of the world is represented by an aged cask where oak influence prevails over individual characteristics, while a classic cask with an intense black cherry note complements Pellegrin’s forceful black and white pictures.
Power’s photography is expressed by two casks that captures the familiar, but from an often obscure point of view. An ex-European red wine cask with a rich mahogany red colour properties exudes Pinkhassov’s contrasting and brightly coloured work, and a first fill American barrel with its delicate citrus notes to reminiscent Soth’s heritage and spirit of adventure style.
Last but not least, a cask that is an intensely sweet yet classic Macallan with edge and depth; to bring the whole creation together and to represent the imagination and brilliance of Magnum.
This magnificent and world-class collectible set of images comes together as a limited edition objet d’art with a special limited release whisky, a selection of six signed prints, one from each photographer, and an exclusive book of photography. The box that holds the collection was influenced by the classic photographic portfolio boxes on display at the Magnum studio.
“For the first time in The Macallan Masters of Photography series, we are working in partnership with multiple photographers to tell the story of the new Macallan distillery and the people behind it, taking it from genesis to completion. This coveted edition shows history in the making against the backdrop of The Macallan’s ongoing commitment to mastery.”
