Whisky Focus - The Macallan Coronation

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation The Macallan is releasing a limited edition commemorative bottling or I should really say pair of bottlings. The Macallan Coronation is limited release which comprises of a beautifully designed box containing two 350ml bottles of single malt whisky. I fully expect that this unique pair of whiskies from The Macallan will become a rare collectors’ item with only 1953 pairs of bottles being released for sale in the UK.

The pack was designed by the acclaimed Art Director, David Holmes, who worked on the first ever advertising campaign for the brand and completes The Macallan’s trio of commemorative Royal bottlings. The two bottles each feature a different image of The Queen, one taken in 1953 by Cecil Beaton, the celebrated photographer, who is perhaps best known for his images of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with the other featuring an image taken in 2004 by Julian Calder, one of the world’s most renowned portrait photographers.

In keeping with the distinct and stylish design of The Macallan, the labels have been created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s reign, with the first conveying the Queen as she was in 1953, aged just 26, and the second honouring the treasured monarch she has become today.

Commenting on the special commemorative Coronation edition David Holmes said: "I just felt that the box design should reflect the coronation itself. Bright and celebratory, with Gold, Windsor Red and Blue as used on the Queen's Coat of arms. The idea of the confident red box with gold florettes underlines the respectful presentation. A sort of, must have, rare Royal treasure case."

The representations of the earlier and later years of Her Majesty’s reign are depicted not only by the chosen images, but also through the two whiskies chosen by The Macallan Whisky Maker. A lively expression, symbolic of the young Queen at the start of the new Elizabethan era, is complemented by a more complex malt to represent her monumental achievements of the past 60 years.

The Macallan Coronation Cecil Beaton

The Macallan Coronation Cecil Beaton was matured in American oak sherry seasoned casks, bottled at 58.1% ABV, it is a vibrant gold spirit offering a lemon and orange citrus nose. Ginger and summer berries flit in the background showing the exuberance of youth while hinting at a founding level of maturity.

The Macallan Coronation Julian Caulder

The Macallan Coronation Julian Caulder was matured in Spanish sherry seasoned oak casks, bottled 55.7% ABV, it is a splendid mahogany sprit and presents a richly mature, elegant and refined nose. Nutmeg, ginger, rich fruits and resin soften to give a full mouth feel. There is great maturity on the palate, yet no sign of age.

Ken Grier, Director of Malts at Edrington, commented: "The Macallan is honoured to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on the 60th anniversary of her Coronation. This exclusive release brings together the creative talent of David Holmes, two stunning images of the Queen which further underpin our photography credentials and it has allowed us to marry these moments from the Queen’s remarkable reign with two very special whiskies. We are proud of the whiskies we have created for this special bottling. They both portray the character and nobility of the Queen at two very different stages of her life and we hope that people will enjoy the story they have to tell."

The 1953 bottles of The Macallan Coronation will be available from early next week from The Macallan Distillery Visitor Centre for collection only and online for UK customers at www.themacallan.com at a price of £350.
 

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