Introduction
Whisky lovers, rejoice: a distinct collaboration between two luxury brands, Bentley Motors and The Macallan, has yielded a single malt whisky that’s sure to be a collector’s item. Marking The Macallan’s bicentennial, the product fuses together craftsmanship, sustainability and design in a unique and luxurious way. The bottle doesn’t come cheap, with a price tag exceeding an average luxury car, but it’s arguably a more exquisite indulgence for the serious fans of whisky.
A Daring Collaboration
High-end automaker Bentley Motors and The Macallan teamed up to commemorate the distillery’s 200th anniversary. According to Jaume Ferras, the global creative director for The Macallan, “Our collaboration with Bentley Motors and the knowledge exchange we have undertaken as a result has inspired us to see things very differently. In the spirits world, everything is upright, such as our stills and our bottles. The sideways format upends all that.” This disruptive perspective is embodied in the beautifully designed whisky bottle that dares to stand out.
Sustainable Design
Reinforcing a commitment to sustainability, the whisky bottle uses a miscellaneous of recycled materials provided by both brands. Distinctively crafted, it consists of a copper frame, an aluminum ribbon, and low-carbon leather. It presents itself horizontally within a wooden case embellished with oak inlay and upholding Bentley’s Crown Cut Walnut veneer. This blend of superior materials and quality workmanship fits seamlessly with the luxurious aesthetic of both brands.
Inspiration from Automotive Industry
The design of the distinctive package takes cues from the automotive industry. Jaume Ferras said, “Taking inspiration from the automotive industry, we are showcasing our creative vision and concept development of The Macallan Horizon, which is among the most unique projects we have embarked on in our almost 200-year history.” The lateral presentation of the bottle invokes the “horizontal trajectory of the automotive world,” signifying speed, movement, and forward-thinking.
The Whisky
As for the whisky itself, Vinepair reports the spirit brings a bouquet of scents. The whisky has been aged in sherry-seasoned oak casks and carries aromas of ripe plums, dark cherries, cinder toffee, crystallized ginger, and charred pineapple. The richness and depth of the flavors mirror the dexterity, craftsmanship, and the history of the house in which it was forged.
High-End Price Tag
The price of this unique creation may come as a surprise to many. The bottle retails for a whopping $51,274. While it may be out of reach for some, those who can afford it will own a piece of whisky history and a testimony to the creative potential of the collaboration between two luxury brands. Certainly, this is more than just a drink, it’s an experience that comes in a bottle.
The Macallan’s collaboration with Bentley Motors truly stands as a symbol of luxury, creativity, sustainability, and a tribute to the distillery’s long-standing heritage.