Space Walks are trending for billionaires. For the others not wanting to leave terra firma, there’s an alternate route to space and time travel, with just the right elbow grease. To mark 200 Years Young, Macallan, the single malt Scotch whisky, is releasing two unique new whiskies in a celebration of the brand’s interpretation of time travel through whisky mastery.
The first is TIME: SPACE – a dual chamber vessel that includes the oldest whisky released by The Macallan at 84 Years Old, as well as a second single malt that marks the first from the brand’s new distillery. The second release, TIME : SPACE Mastery, is a unique single malt with layers of complexity that embraces 200 years of history.
With only 200 in existence, one for each year of The Macallan’s History, TIME: SPACE captures the essence of time travel – a spirit spanning craft across generations. The vessel has been designed with two chambers to hold each of the whiskies – housed in the outer chamber is the 1940 vintage, representing the past. Two casks meticulously hand selected – a first fill American Oak Butt and second fill European Oak Butt – both seasoned with sherry in Jerez de la Frontera and matured peacefully surrounded by nature in Speyside, Scotland. Bottled at 43.6% ABV, an extraordinary 84 years of maturation has produced rich natural colour, exceptional depth and richness and full, long-lasting flavour unique to this rare, aged single malt Scotch whisky.
As a counterpart, the single malt housed in the central chamber is a 2018 vintage, marking a significant milestone as the first ever whisky from The Macallan’s new distillery – a nod to the future of the brand. During the transition to new Distillery in 2018, The Macallan went to exacting standards to secure the continuity of the single malt quality and signature taste.
The unique vessel is displayed in an oak sculpture which has been designed to accentuate the 100% natural colour of the whisky, and alternate layers of American oak and European oak have been selected to craft the display sculpture, as a homage to the brand’s commitment to sherry seasoned oak casks.
Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan, commented: “It was an absolute privilege to be able to reach back in time and select stock from the 1940’s to honour and celebrate our 200-year anniversary. As a Whisky Mastery Team, our roles are unique in the sense that we get to time travel – selecting whisky from the past crafted by our predecessors, whilst simultaneously laying down casks for future generations of whisky makers and consumers. To nose, taste and select whisky created over eight decades ago is an exceptionally rare occasion in the life of a whisky maker and one which I will treasure.”
“For the 2018 vintage, the prospect of selecting a younger cask created a lot of excitement in the sample room – it is an opportunity to give others an insight into The Macallan’s future. This marked the first year of production in our new Distillery, which is truly a significant moment to be cherished. Through a fusion of art and science we have ensured the continuity of the character of our whisky.”
The TIME: SPACE Mastery embraces 200 years of history by featuring 14 exceptional cask types, creating layers of complexity with an incredible depth of aroma, texture and flavor. With whisky drawn from the breadth of our exceptional inventory, there are distinct influences from European Oak sherry seasoned casks, American Oak sherry seasoned casks, American Oak Bourbon casks and the finest refill casks. Together, creating layers of complexity and a voluptuous depth in aroma, flavour and texture. This exquisite expression encompasses The Macallan’s whisky mastery and highlights the unwavering commitment to protecting and nurturing this craft for the future.
Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, said: “The introduction of TIME: SPACE COLLECTION is an incredible way to pay respect to our 200th anniversary, as we build upon our heritage and look to times ahead.”
The release of TIME : SPACE COLLECTION is accompanied by a global marketing campaign, leading with two hero films that follow two distinct stories, yet both highlight The Macallan’s intrinsic connection to nature through different characters, animals and plants.
The Macallan’s TIME : SPACE is available to purchase through invitation from The Macallan, with price available upon application.
The Macallan’s TIME: SPACE Mastery will be available to purchase from The Macallan, subject to availability and location, as well as via The Macallan Society Ballot in the UK and Europe.
