Archive for the ‘The Macallan’ tag
The Macallan & Lalique launch THE MACALLAN 64 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY IN LALIQUE: CIRE PERDUE
Following an Eight Month, Global Fundraising Exhibition, Sotheby’s to Auction this One-of-a-Kind Piece in New York with all Proceeds Benefitting charity: water
Media Release – Paris, April 6, 2010: Iconic luxury brands The Macallan and Lalique have come together again on the 150th anniversary of Rene Lalique’s birth, building on their highly successful partnership to produce a one-of-a-kind decanter, created by the ancient “cire perdue” or “lost wax” method. This decanter will hold the oldest and rarest Macallan ever bottled by this highly regarded distillery. The Macallan in Lalique Cire Perdue decanter contains a 64 years old Macallan single malt whisky, destined for final auction by Sotheby’s on November 15, 2010 in New York. All of the proceeds of this remarkable piece will be donated to charity: water, a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. In an eight month traveling exhibit and fundraising journey, The Macallan in Lalique: Cire Perdue decanter will travel around the world from Paris to New York via Madrid, London, Moscow, Seoul, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Taipei, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.
The Cire Perdue decanter has been designed by the legendary French crystal house Lalique, exclusively for The Macallan. Painstakingly hand crafted with the skills for which Lalique has achieved world-wide recognition and renowned since the first fabulous glass pieces were designed and made by Rene Lalique in the first half of the twentieth century, the inspiration for the design has come from the beauty of The Macallan’s 150 hectare estate in north-eastern Scotland.
David Cox, Director of Fine & Rare Whiskies for The Macallan, comments: “We have established a very close working relationship with Lalique over the past six years. We share a heritage based on a commitment to craftsmanship and creativity, underpinned by a genuine passion to strive for the best in all our endeavours. This extraordinary project has raised our partnership to new heights, combining the brilliance of Lalique’s designers and craftsmen and the outstanding quality and character from the masters of spirit and wood at The Macallan to produce a single decanter which will never be replicated, filled with the oldest and rarest Macallan our distillery has ever released. Having decided to donate the proceeds from the auction of this beautiful decanter and its rarest of whiskies to charity, we decided to partner with charity: water. Given the predictions of future water shortages and recent natural catastrophes, we felt we wanted to contribute something really positive to help. We are hoping for some extraordinary generosity at the final auction in New York in November.”
“We are delighted that the proceeds from this historic auction of The Macallan in Lalique: Cire Perdue decanter will benefit charity: water,” said Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water. “Clean water projects bring communities together and offer improved health, a better quality of life and hope for a better future. I look forward to working closely with The Macallan and Lalique to bring clean water to some of the billion people on the planet without it.”
“Water is fundamental to the craftsmanship behind both The Macallan and Lalique,” continued Cox. “The word “whisky” derives from the Latin, “aqua vitae”, or “water of life”, and is one of the three natural ingredients of The Macallan, together with barley and yeast. Water is also critical for Lalique at the point of detailing, sanding and polishing the crystal pieces.”
The 64 years old Macallan has been vatted together from three casks, all built from sherry seasoned Spanish oak. The first was filled in 1942, the second in 1945 and the third in January 1946, from which the age of this great Macallan has been taken.
This Macallan is so rare for a couple of reasons; firstly The Macallan is widely recognized as one of the few single malts which can mature to a great age without losing its character to the powerful influence of Spanish oak maturation casks, seasoned with sherry, for which The Macallan is particularly well-known. The Macallan’s rich, oily spirit ensures the whisky achieves a balance and depth of aromas and flavours over many years in these casks, a balance often sought, but rarely achieved; secondly, this is the oldest Macallan ever released by the distillery in its 186 year history. Prior to the release of this 64 years old Macallan in the Cire Perdue decanter, the previous oldest Macallan released by the distillery was the 60 years old, distilled in 1926 and bottled in 1986, of which only forty bottles were ever produced.
Character of The Macallan 64 years old:
· The 64 years old Macallan has a lovely rich oak colour.
· On the nose, notes of peat smoke, dried orange peel, muscovado sugar and cedar wood, mixed with spicy cinnamon sticks and cloves.
· On the palate, spicy, blood oranges, rosin, treacle, walnuts, cocoa chocolate and peat smoke.
· The finish is soft, smooth and spicy, with lingering peats and dark chocolate
The decanter has been designed at Lalique’s Design Studio in Paris, based upon a ship’s decanter of the 1820’s, the decade in which The Macallan was founded, in 1824. Lalique’s designer felt the shape lent itself perfectly to the beautifully crafted panorama of The Macallan estate by the river Spey, in north east Scotland.
Lalique’s designer and craftsmen then worked to highlight the beauty of The Macallan’s estate, with its fields of barley, its woodlands, the river Spey flowing past its borders to the south and Easter Elchies House, The Macallan’s spiritual home built in 1700, lying at the heart of the estate.
The Macallan’s estate is unique among Scotch whisky distilleries. Spreading over 150 hectares on a plateau above the River Spey, this beautiful place has sustained generations of farmers and landowners over the centuries. Today, many of its fields grow the exclusive barley which lies at the heart of The Macallan spirit, while spring water from the estate boreholes combine with the barley and yeast to create the sublime single malt that is The Macallan. Among the estate woods grow mighty oak trees, which echo the oaks of northern Spain and the United States from which The Macallan’s exceptional casks are made, and which contribute so much of the final character of the whisky.
The decanter itself has been created by the lost wax process, an ancient practice originally developed to cast large pieces in bronze. After first modelling a piece in wax, it is covered with plaster and then sent to the oven to bake the clay while the wax melts. Finally, molten crystal is poured in the emptied shape. Up until 1930, Rene Lalique himself crafted glass pieces using the Cire Perdue technique, but abandoned it as arthritis increasingly affected his fingers.
Today, investing in the artistic and technical training of its artists to master again this extraordinary know-how, a new workshop has been created on the 150th anniversary of Rene Lalique’s birth in 1860, dedicated entirely to the ‘lost wax’ process, to make the first Cire Perdue pieces in eighty years, including The Macallan 64 years old in Lalique. Every piece is unique. Complex, time consuming and costly, the process is reserved for the ultimate pieces. The technique brings to light a fineness of detail never seen before and a unique texture that is likened to a « crystal skin, giving each piece a truly realistic and vivid aspect.
Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique, commented, “We are enormously proud to be collaborating again with The Macallan, and in such a worthwhile cause. In today’s highly interconnected world, we are all increasingly aware of the needs of those much less fortunate than ourselves. We have been working on a series of decanters with The Macallan since 2004 and, over that time, have come to appreciate our shared values of a passionate commitment to outstanding quality, artistry and integrity. These decanters, each holding Macallan whiskies of 50, 55 and 57 years old respectively, have proved hugely admired and sought after around the world by whisky consumers and connoisseurs, as well as collectors of Lalique crystal and lovers of beautiful objects d’art. This latest decanter, a remarkable, unique work of art, holding such an old and rare Macallan, takes our partnership to a new level. I wish every success to its “tour du monde” and to the final auction by Sotheby’s in New York in November”.
The Macallan and Lalique at Auction
The Macallan is the most sought after of all single malt whiskies in the rare whiskies auction market; a 60 years old Macallan, distilled in 1926, sold for US$75,000 to a South Korean buyer in 2005. As the Cire Perdue decanter contains a 64 years old Macallan, the oldest and rarest ever released by the distillery, the extraordinary price for the 1926 is likely to be surpassed.
Lalique is also highly sought after by collectors around the world, with recent sales prices significantly exceeding pre-sale estimates; a Rene Lalique jewel of 1903, “Chardons”, sold for US$363,000 in October 2006 in New York, and, in October 2009, AN ART NOUVEAU MULTI-GEM AND ENAMEL PENDANT NECKLACE, BY RENE LALIQUEAN ART NOUVEAU MULTI-GEM AND ENAMEL PENDANT NECKLACE, BY RENE LALIQUE an Art Nouveau multi-gem and enamel pendant necklace by Rene Lalique was auctioned in New York for a world record US$554,500, against an estimate of US$400,000.
Jeremy Morrison, Director of 20th Century Design, Sotheby’s London, commented, “Both The Macallan and Lalique are premier brands and Sotheby’s has worked along side them both in various guises for a long time. The virtuoso glass art of René Lalique is amongst the most sought after and recognizable forms of 20th century design. One of the masters of the Art Deco style, Lalique’s pioneering work has been offered in Sotheby’s sales since we first held dedicated auctions of Decorative Art in the late 1960s. Sotheby’s is very proud to be involved with Lalique and The Macallan in their project to raise substantial funds for charity: water to help bring clean drinking water to developing nations”.
The Exhibition and Fundraising Tour
The decanter will travel across the world, beginning in Paris on April 6, 2010 and ending in New York City at the Sotheby’s auction on November 15, 2010. At events along the way, The Macallan and Lalique will auction rare, 10 cl drams of The Macallan 64 Year Old in Lalique: Cire Perdue to benefit charity: water.
Tour du Monde:
· Paris : early April
· Madrid : late April
· London : early May
· Moscow : late May
· Hong Kong : early July
· Johannesburg : August
· Taipei : early September
· Shanghai : late September
· Singapore : early October
· Tokyo : late October
· New York : early November
To track the fundraising progress and view images from the tour, visit: www.themacallan.com. Details will also be shared on this site on how to participate in or follow along with the final auction.
The Macallan in Lalique : Cire Perdue – nosing and tasting notes:
Color: Oak
Aroma: Peat smoke, dried orange peel, muscovado sugar and cedar wood mix with spicy cinnamon sticks and cloves.
Taste: spicy, blood oranges, rosin, treacle and walnuts, cocoa chocolate and peat smoke
Finish: soft, smooth and spicy: lingering peats and dark chocolate
Alcohol Strength – 42.5% Alc/vol
About The Macallan:
Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles, the Six Pillars. An obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by a 150 hectare estate, with Easter Elchies House, a Highland Manor built in 1700, at its heart. Traditionally known for maturation in Spanish oak, sherry seasoned casks, The Macallan’s range of outstanding single malts includes :Sherry Oak, matured in Spanish oak casks seasoned with sherry; Fine Oak, matured both in sherry casks of Spanish and American oak and in American oak casks seasoned with bourbon; the 1824 range, exclusive to Global Travel Retail. In addition, The Macallan is well known for its great range of vintage whiskies, dating back to 1926, and is considered the most sought after of all single malts among collectors and connoisseurs at auction.
About Lalique:
LALIQUE is more than just a name. It is René LALIQUE’s (1860-1945) talent, a genius destined to revolutionise the world of jewellery, beginning in 1885 with his famous ²Art Nouveau² jewellery sets, true works of art, which are now highly sought-after by museums and collectors. A brilliant master glassmaker of the Art Déco movement, René LALIQUE’s creations were highly eclectic. Indeed, it was René LALIQUE, who was responsible for the great technological and commercial revolution which even today continues to influence the way bottles of perfume are created and packaged.
René LALIQUE’s imagination has proved to be the source of a vast and varied collection, including bowls, vases, statuettes and perfume bottles. They were produced at the Wingen-Sur Moder factory in Alsace, opened in 1922.
René Lalique’s creations belong to the international artistic and cultural patrimony. His works are displayed in more than 40 Museums worldwide including the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Lalique museum in Hakone, Japan. A Lalique museum will open in Wingen-sur-Moder, in the Alsace region of France in December 2010. In February 2008, the Swiss company Art & Fragrance acquired Lalique SA from the Pochet Group and Silvio Denz became Lalique’s CEO.
About charity: water
charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing safe and clean drinking water to people in developing nations. Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all sickness and disease, and kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. charity: water gives 100% of the money raised to direct project costs, funding sustainable clean water solutions in areas of greatest need. Just $20 can give one person in a developing nation clean water for 20 years. In just 3.5 years, charity: water has brought clean drinking water to over one million people in 16 countries. www.charitywater.com
About Sotheby’s
Founded in 1744, Sotheby’s is a global company specialising in art auction, private sales and art-related financing activities. Founded in 1744, Sotheby’s is the oldest and largest internationally recognised firm of fine art auctioneers in the world with an international network of 98 offices in 38 countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas, including 17 worldwide auction centres. Nearly 1,000 sales a year are held around the world.
So far 2010 has seen two record breaking sales. The Impressionist and Modern Art sale in February achieved a world record for a work of art sold at auction with Giacometti’s L’homme qui marche I selling for £65m. During the February Contemporary Art sale 21 new artist records for a work sold at auction were set.
Central to Sotheby’s ability to achieve great successes is the well-established global name recognition, a reputation for knowledge and expertise, an extensive distribution network, and long-standing client relationships around the world, of which Sotheby’s is extremely proud.
Update: The first 10 cl dram of the 64 Year Old Scotch was auctioned off at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris yesterday evening (April 6), for 5,000 Euro (approximately $6,694). The Paris auction’s sale alone will provide a community of up to 250 people with clean, safe drinking water for up 20 years.
· The Macallan Lalique Decanter
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2010 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
The Macallan Tasting Note Project Launches at SXSW
THE MACALLAN TASTING NOTE PROJECT TO LAUNCH AT SXSW INTERACTIVE
Single Malt Distillery Sets on Mission to Crowdsource Tasting Notes for Two Distinct Expressions
March 10, 2010 – New York: The Macallan® Single Malt Scotch has always encouraged Scotch enthusiasts and novel drinkers alike to enjoy a dram the way they want: whether it’s neat, in a cocktail, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. Now, on a mission to understand how enthusiasts experience the flavors of the world’s most renowned, The Macallan is cultivating a digital journey through select Sherry Oak and Fine Oak expressions that kicks off in Austin, Texas at SXSW Interactive 2010: The Macallan Tasting Note Project.
“The Macallan is known to be satisfyingly complex; however we’re interested to see what flavors really shine in two of our most celebrated expressions,” said Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Whisky Maker. “It will be exciting to witness whisky lovers in the virtual sphere unite over common tastes and less common nuances.”
The Macallan will first introduce the project in the Registrant’s Lounge at SXSW in Austin by way of Twitter. Consumers both on-site at the festival and off-site in their hometowns will be encouraged to contribute tasting notes for two of the brand’s core expressions, The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old and The Macallan Fine Oak 15 Years Old using the hashtags #Macallan12 and #Macallan15, respectively.
As these tweets are submitted, a topic cloud will be showcased live on-screen at The Macallan tasting lounge and also on The Macallan Blog, making this experience easily shareable. At the end of the week, The Macallan will be able to pinpoint the words and notes most frequently attributed to each expression. Additionally, everyone who contributes to The Macallan Tasting Note Project is entered to win a private tasting led by The Macallan Brand Ambassador for up to 10 friends in the city of his/her choice.
§ WHAT: The Macallan Tasting Note Project
§ WHEN: Friday, March 12 – Tuesday, March 16, 4-7PM
§ ON-SITE LOCATION: The Macallan Tasting Experience @ The Registrant’s Lounge
§ VIRTUAL LOCATION: Twitter
§ HASHTAGS: #Macallan12 & #Macallan15
§ GET INSPIRED: Download the videos from Gadling TV’s Travel Talk
For additional information:
Rebecca Janoff, rebeccaj@mbooth.com, @rebeccamj, 609-707-1275
Kelly Ip, kellyi@mbooth.com, @kellygene , 212-539-3287
© 2010 The Macallan Distillers Ltd. The Macallan® Scotch Whisky, 43% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc., New York, NY. Please Savour Responsibly.
The Macallan Links of Interest
Gifting Scotch for the Holidays – The Macallan Lalique Decanter
The Macallan: Revitalizing the Summer Cocktail – A Good Problem for Scotch Whisky
The Macallan Launches Exclusive Single Malt Collection for Global Travel Retail
Twitter Tasting The Macallan – The Macallan: Enjoy the Moment with Dad
The Macallan Launches Masters of Photography Collection
The Macallan Introduces Fine & Rare Vintage 1947 for the Holidays
The Macallan & Rankin Team Up: Incredible Behind the Scenes Look
The Macallan- “The Rolls-Royce of Single Malts” – The Macallan
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2010 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
Gifting Scotch for the Holidays
With Christmas coming down to the wire last minute gift ideas for those who love the more spirited side of life come into play. By spirited I don’t mean in the energetic sense of the word such as those scuba diving or mountain climbing sports lovers who require expensive high end gear for safety sake. I’m talking casual brown liquor lovers who waft scotch in a glass either neat or over a couple of cubes of pristine ice. Searching for holiday gifts that touch the recipient with heartwarming appeal should be simple and stress free. With all the choices on the market, sometimes that search becomes daunting.
Recently I was asked to compare Chivas Regal 18 against the largely holiday gifted scotch, Johnnie Walker Blue. To be fair, this is an apples to oranges head to head taste comparison. Side by side Chivas Regal 18 comes across a little darker in color than Johnnie Walker Blue. Color does not always signify deeper or richer with regard to taste. Chivas contains nice aroma with hints of fig and nut. There is little smoke in the flavor if any at all. It is slightly thin in mouth feel. There are subtle notes of chocolate and the faintest hints of spice. This Chivas expression blends 18 year aged whiskies together and offers the bottling at approximately one third the price of Johnnie Walker Blue. Packaging is straight forward – Bottle, label, box. Gift wrap at your own expense with nice wrapping, ribbon and gift tag.
Johnnie Walker Blue contains little comprehensive aroma as compared to many scotches. The flavor is honeyed with virtually no burn at all. It is velvety, a little floral with some perfume. In my opinion sipping Johnnie Walker Blue is almost like consuming highly refined water in that it is so smooth there is not enough definition of character within the scotch. This is definitely an achievement in refining the process and blending scotches to supreme smoothness. It is an impressive example of a master blender perfecting his craft, but it does little to impress me with the scotch. In my opinion Johnnie Walker Blue is nowhere near worth the price unless the goal is undefined character. That being said, millions truly love Johnnie Walker Blue and their opinion of its worth is sincerely valuable. Johnnie Walker Blue also presents in a distinctive, individually numbered Baccarat crystal bottle that can also be engraved for the holidays. This unique characteristic comes packaged in silk lined box with certificate of authenticity. All of this no doubt contributes to the higher price.
If one is going for the complete perfection of smooth that Johnnie Walker Blue achieves, Chivas Regal 18 does not quite reach this scale of flawlessness. Nor does Chivas Regal 18 offer the luxurious pampering and sophistication that goes along with the purchase of Johnnie Walker Blue. However, is an almost two third bump in price worth the subtleties these spirits provide the casual scotch consumer? In my opinion no.
As I struggle to post this evaluation of Chivas Regal 18 and Johnnie Walker Blue I realize there might be a few who read and take my opinion into consideration when making choices for personal purchases and those of ones they care about this season. Being truly honest as a frequent scotch consumer, I think it only fair to include my choices for scotch gifting in the approximate price ranges covered above. There are a fair amount of scotches on hand in my liquor cabinet at any given time either by way of liquor company representatives or by my own choice through purchases made at liquor stores. My favorites are listed below in no particular order. The reason for no particular order is I consume a variety of spirits and choose according to my mood or a specific flavor I am craving at the time. The ones listed are those that I truly love at any price and it in no way reflects poorly on any which might not make their way to the listing since there are many more in my cabinet at the moment.
· Dewar’s 18 – Rich chocolate flavor with smoke and honey. This is a little less intense version of the Dewar’s Signature. Much more affordable and easier to find.
· Dewar’s Signature – An extreme pleasure. DEWAR’S Introduces High-End Discovery Gift Set
· Laphroaig Quarter Cask – Never thought I would love Laphroaig, but this one is divine without the severe iodine Laphroaig is so well known for. Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch: Own It, Sip It, Network It
· Macallan Sherry Oak 12 – The everyday scotch to learn and get one’s feet wet in the world of brown liquor. The standard. A little caramel, possibly fig in the taste. Rich color.
· Macallan Fine Oak 17 – Smoke, chocolate, mocha. Richness in the glass. Smoky, rich, full of flavor. Robust. Lots of body. Slight vanilla tone. Twitter Tasting The Macallan
· Ardmore Traditional Cask – Hearty bouquet, delicate sweetness fleeting beneath significant smoke flavor. Investing in Dad: Ardmore 30 & the Traditional Cask
· Glenmorangie Original – Straw color, light in flavor, no smokiness. Delicate without being overstated. An easy sipper. Perfect for someone starting out. Glenmorangie Original – “Like Dew on Heather”
· The Balvenie Doublewood & Glenfiddich 12 – I’ll be honest again and say I don’t personally consume these two as frequently myself, but love them just the same and occasionally do have a glass. They are purchased with frequency in my home for another scotch drinker and they also make great cocktails when I get the chance to sneak a few ounces. ‘Made in Scotland’ Makes Mixing at Home a Cinch
Holiday Cheer: Christmas to New Year Martini & Cocktail Recipe Guide
Classic Cocktails - Bourbon Cocktails – Cocktails – Drink Recipes & Photos
Top 10 Classic Cocktails – 21 Must Try Classic Cocktail Recipes
Drink Recipes & Photos – Holiday Cocktails – Reviews
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
The Macallan Lalique Decanter
THE MACALLAN® LAUNCHES 57 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY IN LALIQUE DECANTER
Only 72 decanters of this limited-edition bottling will be available in the U.S.
New York, NY, September 21, 2009 – Iconic luxury brands The Macallan®, the Masters of Spirit and Wood, and LALIQUE, the Masters of Crystal, announce the launch of The Macallan in LALIQUE Finest Cut decanter – the third in a series of six decanters that are inspired by The Macallan’s six pillars, the unique elements that combine to make the whisky so special. Containing an exceptionally rare 57 years old single malt whisky, the Finest Cut decanter is valued at $15,000 and will be available by special order beginning in October 2009. The introduction of The Macallan in LALIQUE Finest Cut decanter comes on the heels of the August 2009, record-breaking, £11,750 ($19,080) sale of one of The Macallan’s 50th anniversary bottles at a Glasgow, Scotland auction.
This third decanter in The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection is inspired by The Macallan’s Finest Cut, that fraction of the new make spirit which is filled into casks for maturation. At The Macallan, this fraction is a mere 16%; it is the heart of the run, the best of the best, delivered at a very slow rate of distillation to maximize flavor and deliver the distinctively rich, fruity, viscous character of The Macallan’s new make spirit.
· The Macallan: Revitalizing the Summer Cocktail
· The Macallan- “The Rolls-Royce of Single Malts”
· The Macallan Launches Exclusive Single Malt Collection for Global Travel Retail
Designed exclusively for The Macallan by the legendary French crystal house LALIQUE, The Finest Cut decanters have been individually numbered and produced in a very limited quantity—only 72 of the 400 launched worldwide will be available in the US, ensuring that this introduction will follow in the footsteps of its two predecessors — a 50 Years Old Macallan celebrating the exceptional oak casks and a 55 Years Old Macallan inspired by the distillery’s insistence of natural colour — and become an extraordinary collector’s item.
David Cox, Director of Fine & Rare Whiskies for The Macallan, comments: “ In homage to the beauty of LALIQUE’S Finest Cut decanter, we chose a particularly rare 57 years old Macallan single malt whisky. It is the second oldest The Macallan whisky ever released, only surpassed in age by the legendary 1926, a 60 year old The Macallan, bottled in 1986.”
· Twitter Tasting The Macallan
· The Macallan: Enjoy the Moment with Dad
The 57 year old has been vatted together from six casks made from two different species of oak; the first, a 1950 American oak sherry butt, and the second, a vatting of Macallan from first fill Spanish oak sherry butts originally filled in 1949, 1951 and 1952. The result is a softly sumptuous single malt, showing off the classic dried fruits, spice and hints of peat redolent of The Macallan house style of the early 1950’s. The age statement of 57 years old is determined by the youngest cask which was filled in 1952.
The decanter has been designed by LALIQUE’S Design Studio which was inspired by the legacy of Rene Lalique. The decanter features the ‘stilligoutte’ of a perfume bottle, the long piece of pure crystal flowing down to a point from the base of the bottle stopper. A portion of the stopper has been left completely clear and not “satinee,” running from the top down to the point. This clear portion represents the 16% ‘finest cut’. When inserted into the elegantly tapering decanter, the stilligoutte, bathed in the rich whisky, reflects the natural colors of The Macallan through the play of light; when withdrawn, you can appreciate the full, heady aromas exuded by each drop as it slowly runs down the crystal stem.
· The Macallan: Express Yourself
· The Macallan Launches Masters of Photography Collection
Silvio Denz, President and CEO of LALIQUE, comments: “We are delighted to be working with the world’s finest single malt, as it has given us the opportunity to design a series of decanters which reflect all the best attributes of our brand – creativity, heritage and craftsmanship.”
The Finest Cut decanter was created by the LALIQUE design team in Paris and hand crafted at LALIQUE’S crystal making facility in Wingen-sur-Moder, Alsace. Each piece was worked on by up to 15 craftsmen, many of whom have attained the ‘Meilleur ouvrier de France’ – the Finest Craftsman of France Award. Each decanter bears the esteemed ‘Lalique France’ signature, which symbolizes authenticity and over 100 years of creativity, heritage and craftsmanship, and comes in a beautifully designed lacquer presentation box with a crystal stopper and a collectors guide, detailing the craftsmanship that has gone into producing this beautiful object d’art.
· The Macallan Introduces Fine & Rare Vintage 1947 for the Holidays
· The Macallan & Rankin Team Up: Incredible Behind the Scenes Look
The Macallan has been working with LALIQUE since 2005 to produce an exclusive series of limited edition decanters based on The Macallan’s Six Pillars. The first two decanters in the series, Exceptional Oak Casks and Natural Colour, have proved hugely popular with both whisky consumers and collectors of LALIQUE crystal.
Respected and admired by discerning whisky lovers and named ‘Distiller of the Year 2008,’* The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged.
*Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 2008 Wine Star Awards.
Twitter Tasting The Macallan
It was The Macallan’s first night ever of Twitter tasting and mine, too. Virtually speaking it is way better to experience flavor than simply hear about it or read tweets for that matter, so huge “Thank You” to Elise at MBooth (elisehelene) for the invite and all the special arrangements for the night. While many dined on the exquisitely prepared meal by Chef Ed Brown at eighty one a few of us were fortunate to taste along at home and glean valuable information about The Macallan from the East Coast Brand Ambassador, Graeme Russell (LivingTheDram).
There simply is no telling what Twitter (or Scotch for that matter) will cause one to say:
· This particular tweet caused quite a laugh at my home and retweeting ensued from other tasting participants. And why not? From DBTH: Deep thougths: Sometime when I drink scotch I think of running naked through the fields of scottland but I’m smart and don’t
· JerseyTodd: I hope we get ‘goody bags’
No Twittering at the table? I don’t think so.
· ChefMark: I’m used to clandestinely tweeting during these events, not sure how I feel about them showing twitter on the wall !! #macallan
· NyBarfly: #macallan- is there such thing as public twitter anxiety?
· halw: #macallan Okay this is like a highschool twitter reunion with amazing drinks!!!
· NyBarfly: #macallan What is the 1780’s version of a twitter tasting? carrier pigeon sipping?
However, there is a trade off for tasting and dining when not at home:
· woodlandalyssa: my feet hurt but when you drink #macallan, you have to be fancy and wear high heels. those are the rules!
· But that didn’t stop livethelushlife – @intoxicologist in my 5″ heels and 7 whiskeys deep. 
– Way to go!
There were ‘tsk tsk’ remarks:
· WhiskyParty: Lots of people are not finishing their glasses. WTF? #Macallan
· buckybit: MaryRambin ICE on a SCOTCH! omg! omg! omg! Only pure best of all waters, but never, NEVER ice-cubes. Sin! even w cheap scotch 
· lizEATS: buckybit piss off. It’s to your taste and it’s delicious #macallan
· skidder: buckybit you are currently being take down by the #Macallan scotch ambassador. Behold: the ice sphere!
Main Event: Tasting The Macallan
Fine Oak 10
· The Intoxicologist: Floral, fruity (but not dried fruit), slightly juicy, thin in viscosity.
· Mystery Taster: Light honeyed heather, soft smoke
Sherry Oak 12
· The Intoxicologist: Warmer than the Fine Oak 10, caramel tones, possibly some fig, thicker in feel. Delightful every day Scotch. Love the rich color in this one.
· Mystery Taster: Scent of fig, leather in the back with a round taste, sweetish, mildly fruity, very well balanced, good body.
· corkangel76: 12 Sherry Oak, nuances of butterscotch , medium toasted oak, supple and soft,
· adamhirsch: I concur with @woodlandalyssa: holy shnikeys, #Macallan 12 is strong!!!
· corkangel76: as the #Macallan 12 yr sherry oak changes temperature, more and more subtle delcious nuances come out… Taste Bud Orgasm!!! 
Fine Oak 15
· ChefMark: Tasting 15 yr on it’s own with no food. More texture & “heat” than the 10 year. A little vanilla, floral
· woodlandalyssa: i smell flowers. @tom_Schuyler smells tangerine and toffee
· halw: The #Macallan Fine Oak 15 -Nice Nose/Aroma. Smooth, slight notes of caramel.
· JerseyTodd: 15 Yr. old oak smells nice…very warming…almost thick…
· intoxicologist: #Macallan Fine Oak 15 – sweeter than Sherry Oak 12, fresh fruity flavor, perhaps pineapple, light fresh feel, sharper, defined, some oak
· sallymak26: tangerine, green apple, jasmine? why am i not drinking #Macallan with lunch??!!
· mrinklin: Macallan 15 tastes like a warm carmelized toffee
· LivingTheDram: heat, spice comes from Spanish sherry casks /EM
· LivingTheDram: Fine Oak is a “lighter style of Macallan” as opposed to the Sherry Oak 12 and 18 /EM
· ChefMark: http://twitpic.com/72ycr – Hamachi crudo with yuzu & Ginger paired with 15 yr scotch
· LivingTheDram: Suggestion from Graeme: add a splash of water to the 15 for the perfect pairing with hamachi /EM
· always_eating: First pairing is great, hamachi brings a citrus, peppery taste and pairs well with the somewhat sweet scotch
· astorwines: Hamachi, lemongrass, yuzu with the #Macallan 15 year. The citrusy vanilla notes of the whiskey accentuate the flavor, acidity cuts the fat
Fine Oak 17
· Mystery Taster: A bit of seashore scent, very nicely smoky flavor
· intoxicologist: Fine Oak 17 – Smoky, rich, full of flavor. Robust. Lots of body. Slight vanilla tone. I would definitely not put water in it.
· WhiskyParty: #Macallan fine oak 17. Creamier. Some Mellon. Far less heat.
· seannacher: 17 – definite floral tones come through. Great with the ribeye and marmalada
· alexanderbasek: So leathery!
· ChefMark: 17 yr fine oak #Macallan Scotch paired with rib eye. maple notes. Smoother, more caramel, less tannic
· adamhirsch: We have a winner #Macallan 17 is smooth, slightly spicy. Scotch Twitter Tasting more dangerous than I thought. No spit buckets.
· sallymak26: tom say of #Macallan fo 17 – vanilla and cinnamonly goodness!
· livethelushlife: Can’t decide what’s better the food or the #Macallan. Ok, not really. I’d take the #macallan any day. http://twitpic.com/72zlg
· always_eating: On to the 17 year fine oak, tasting a bit of citrus and something floral. Very nice.
· lizEATS: if only the dead cow could have tasted the scotch, he would have realized it was worth it via @nybarfly here here!
· LivingTheDram: smokey element of 17 comes from whisky aged in heavily charred american bourbon casks. Graeme’s “second-fav” whisky/ EM
· halw: #Macallan Fine Oak 17-Brilliant!! Smokey, notes of vanilla
Fine Oak 21
· livethelushlife: The 21 year #Macallan was so tasty that I finished before getting a picture. I’m apparently the only one finished.http://twitpic.com/731p5
· trebo22: Macallan 21 will take the paint off the walls!
· ChefMark: The 21 yr old has a nice smoky finish. They paired it with an asparagus flan. Great dish, but doesn’t match the Scotch as well.
· ekeyNYC: I just dropped an ice cube in my 21 year, hoping the brand guy does not slap me. I’d take it like a man.
Sherry Oak 18
· Mystery Taster: Scent is cherry-ish, nutty with nectarine in the back. Tastes of warm oakiness with a touch of wine.
· corkangel76: The 18yr sherry oak is smoky toasty carmelized oaky soft vanillin with a touch of applewood. So good… I need a rag.
· LivingTheDram: The Macallan 18 sums up everything the distillery does well; sipping 18 on golf course was Graeme’s best Scotch moment. /EM
· alexanderbasek: Macallan 18: the Sugar Ray Robinson of whiskeys. (Pound for pound, the best)
· LivingTheDram: The Macallan 18 paired with S’mores…Chef Ed is a genius. /EM
The Learning Curve
· LivingTheDram: American bourbon makers can only use a cask a SINGLE time…Scots buy them to make whisky. /EM
· LivingTheDram: first: select the best Oak trees. Then: give made casks to Spanish Sherry makers. Finally: Get them back and make Macallan /EM
· LivingTheDram: The Macallan doesn’t use peat /EM
· LivingTheDram: The Fundamental Rule: drink Scotch the way you like it…ice, water or neat! /EM
· LivingTheDram: 15 is lighter style, easy drinking; 17 is more complex; 21 has rich smoothness /EM
· LivingTheDram: Chef Ed: “One final note. Tweet this to the world: We encourage Scotch drinkers to come here–let us know and we’ll cook for you!”
· LivingTheDram: Chef Ed: “this was as much as hobby as it was a test.”
· LivingTheDram: demonstrating The Macallan ice ball machine to guests at eightyone…takes 15-20 seconds to make The Perfect Serve/ EM
Fun Stuff
· livethelushlife: The ice spheres at #Macallan are pretty badass. http://twitpic.com/72wcf
· woodlandalyssa: the #Macallan 55 costs $14,000!!!
· LivingTheDram: pace yourselves, everyone! The best is yet to come! /EM
· DBTH: Ok people now you’re getting out of control. Sip don’t swig. Oh yeah 21 fine oak. Sup
· corkangel76: oh #Macallan I love you so, your deliciousness always brightens a crappy day and makes me happy and relaxed. Marry me?
· NyBarfly: @sallymak26 looks quite fetching in her dress. maybe its the scotch talking..
· DBTH: Hey you in the hot dress, how bout them ice balls
· sallymak26: @nybarfly thanks! you should see me in my zogsports get up! maybe i’ll switch to #Macallan after kickball games!
· skidder: @sarahashley has no fewer then four different undrank #Macallan whiskies at her spot. @maryrambin didn’t you claim she was the expert?
· NyBarfly: the big question of the night: who is the most tipsy at the table?
The Macallan is (and was) fantastic. Many thanks for including me in the tasting. My food at home didn’t pair as nicely as the chef’s food, but the company made up for it in spades! Don’t forget to make a reservation with eighty one for your own Macallan food pairing dinner. Chef Ed Brown would love to whip something special up for you and your guests!
Follow The Intoxicologist on Twitter
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
