The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

bitedrinks The Macallan Colour Collection is Carson’s latest collaboration with The Ma- callan, comprising five global travel exclusive age-statement single malt Scotch whiskies. From the gold oak of the Colour Collection 12 Years Old to the bur- nished chestnut of the Colour Collection 30 Years Old, the range spans the radiant tones of the whisky spectrum to showcase the exquisite natural tones derived from maturation in The Macallan’s sherry seasoned oak casks. The 12 Years Old consists of sweet oak, lemon peel with vanilla biscuits and pear nose note, a palate of syrup sponge with citrus curd, orchard fruits and a hint of nutmeg, and a medium finish of sweet oak and citrus peel. The 15 Years Old has a gentle oak, vanilla toffee, candied orange peel and crystallised ginger on the nose, accompanied by a sweet citrus pastry with creamy vanilla custard and baked peaches palate and a medium finish of toasted oak, citrus and cinnamon. With clementine, panna cotta, baked apples with sultanas and sweet oak nose notes, the 18 Years Old is completed with a palate of vanilla sponge, milk choc- olate with orange, citrus peel, oak and honeycomb and a medium finish with sweet oak and orange. The 21 Years has créme brûlée, candied orange and lem- on, sweet aged oak with caramelised pineapple, a palate of tropical fruits, can- died ginger, coffee creme, hazelnuts, dark chocolate orange and cardamom, and a medium finish with balanced oak spices. The Macallan Colour Collection completes the 30 Years, consisting of nose notes of pineapple, dried mango, caramelised banana, créme brûlée with sweet aged oak and orange oil, a palate of tropical fruits with almond, a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg intertwined with creamy baked custard and crystalised lemon peel, and a medium finish with sweet wood spice and tropical fruits. “The expressive wonder of colour is something that never gets old. I see Jerez as one huge, white canvas; it's mysteries waiting to be discovered,” the graphic designer said. “Working with The Macallan is like [conversing] with an old friend who happens to be an excellent craftsman. They’ve spent two hundred years refining their processes to create the best whisky possible, and their knowledge is incredible.” Carson discoveredThe Macallan is open to new ideas, especially in art and de- sign. "I listen to them, and they listen to me, and there’s a mutual understand- ing there. The phrase that comes to mind is, ‘I like how you think’. To experi- ence the shapes, the colours, the textures, and the soil from Jerez de la Frontera is inspiring. This is where every one of The Macallan's sherry-seasoned casks comes from. This is the soul of the Colour Collection. It all starts here.” Once crafted to The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team’s specifications, the sher- ry-seasoned oak casks, exclusive to the natural colour, distinctive character, aromas, flavours and outstanding quality of the single malts, are shipped to Scotland, where they’re filled with the whisky brand’s signature rich and fruity new make spirit. The Colour Collection is crafted predominantly from sherry American oak casks with a subtle touch of European oak to achieve a harmo- nious and beautifully balanced range of whiskies. A series of immersive digital exhibitions celebrating The Macallan’s exclusive partnership with David Carson took place in London, Shanghai, Dubai, Sin- gapore and Los Angeles, allowing The Macallan community to be immersed in Carson’s creativity and experience the elements that inspired the Colour Collection. It also featured a new visual identity inspired by the brand’s rich heritage and spiritual home, The Macallan Estate, highlighting its intrinsic connection to nature. The Spirit of 1926 film can be viewed on the Macallan website, and the Colour Collection is available online, in The Macallan Global Boutiques, key airports and travel destinations globally. www.themacallan.com/en/colour-collection