Whisky Focus - Macallan The Anecdotes Of Ages Collection

The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages Collection is the Macallan distillery's latest collaboration with iconic pop artist Sir Peter Blake. The collection consists of 13 bottles, each containing the same sherry rich 1967 vintage Macallan single malt whisky which has been selected by The Macallan Lead Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess and each of the 13 bottles are adorned with its own original Sir Peter Blake collage art on the label.

Each label of the 13 bottles of the Anecdotes of Ages Collection details unique stories relating to The Macallan’s history, community, and the beautiful natural landscape of The Macallan Estate.

The 13 differently labelled bottles in the Macallan Anecdote Of Ages Collection are:

• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages Down To Work (Limited Edition)
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages Easter Elchies Estate
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages The Old Farm
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages A License to Distil
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages The Macallan Mausoleum
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages The Giant and the Fish
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages Journey To Market
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages Cattle, Barley and Potatoes
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages Family Life and Work
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages Easter Elchies House
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages River Spey
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages A New Era of Advertising
   
• The Macallan Anecdote Of Ages A New Distillery
   

Sarah Burgess, Lead Whisky Maker at The Macallan, said: "This exceptional 1967 whisky was chosen for its classic yet distinctively colourful character, which is reminiscent of Sir Peter Blake’s work of the same year. With notes of oak and fig leading to a burst of hazelnut and strawberry, this is a truly special single malt that finishes with complex flavours of chocolate and lightly spiced peach. It is in many ways, its own work of art."

Each of the 13 original bottles are hand-blown with an oak stopper, and feature a label signed by Sir Peter Blake. Presented in a handcrafted European oak case incorporating thumbnail photography revealing Sir Peter Blake’s inspirational journey with The Macallan, the expressions are also accompanied by a leather-bound book showcasing all 13 label artworks and corresponding stories, as well as a certificate of authenticity.

12 of the 13 bottles will be will be available to the public, the 13th original bottle will be kept in The Macallan archive, a limited edition whisky featuring a duplicate label and the same rare 1967 whisky, will be released as The Anecdotes of Ages Collection: Down to Work Limited Edition. Only 322 bottles will be available worldwide.

The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection: Down To Work will no doubt be sought after worldwide by whisky connoisseurs, collectors and art lovers alike, but as you can imagine you will need deep pockets to get hold of it with a RRP of £50,000.

As part of The Macallan’s strong support for the arts, one of the extremely scarce 13 Anecdotes of Ages bottles is being auctioned to raise funds to benefit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Support from The Macallan will advance efforts underway at the Guggenheim to increase free access and develop engagement with a variety of audiences, in alignment with the museum’s diversity, equity, access, and inclusion initiatives. The sale is being conducted by Sotheby’s in March 2021.

Macallan whisky fans will also welcome the release of a further special single malt Scotch created to commemorate Sir Peter Blake’s visit to The Macallan Estate on the legendary River Spey. The Macallan Sir Peter Blake An Estate, A Community, And A Distillery which is presented in a custom box inspired by Sir Peter Blake’s art, alongside a certificate outlining the history and heritage on which the art was based, and Sir Peter Blake’s artwork printed on a scroll. This is available via a ballot on the Macallan's website at a slightly easier price on your pocket of £1,200.

Even given the price tag on The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection I suspect it may sell very quickly so if you are interested in any of the bottles you will soon find them available from specialist online whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops

Whisky Focus