Word has been out for a couple of weeks now that Macallan was to present a new GTR exclusive "Colour Collection".

We now have a proper look at the new five-piece collection that will see 12-, 15-, 18-, 21- and 30- Year Old single malts from Macallan.

The series focuses on the use of American oak casks, with a smaller influence from European oak, and with varying ages of maturation, deepens the whisky's hue, which is the inspiration behind the name "Colour Collection".

“Deepening in colour with age, each expression tells its own story and is a prism through which consumers can explore the unique characteristics which underpin the exceptional craftsmanship, renowned quality, and rich character of our single malt whisky.” said Kirsteen Campbell, Macallan's Master Whisky Maker.

Artist David Carson. (Image Source: Macallan)

The new collection also features a collaboration with collage style graphic designer David Carson, who has worked with the distillery on multiple product releases, and thus the new Colour Collection will feature works by the graphic designer. 

The Colour Collection will be made available across The Macallan Boutiques, selected airports and duty free locations around the world beginning September 2023. Prices range from 12 Year Old (US$80 RRP), 15 Year Old (US$165 RRP), 18 Year Old (US$350 RRP), 21 Year Old (US$1,100 RRP) all the way to the 30 Year Old (US$4,455 RRP) single malts.

The new launch will be accompanied by immersive art exhibitions in London, Shanghai, Dubai, Singapore and Los Angeles.

A full rundown of the collection below:

COLOUR COLLECTION 12 YEARS OLD (US$80 RRP)

"The youngest whisky in the Collection and the age statement with the lightest Natural Colour, this exceptional single malt exhibits a golden oak hue, with tasting notes of sweet oak, lemon and vanilla.

With lemon yellow, drips of chalky white, “albero” and “teja”, and a branch from a sherry grape vine, we are transported to the strikingly pale terroir of Jerez de la Frontera. 

We collaborated with Artist and Graphic Designer, David Carson for The Colour Collection. He used albariza soil as a medium, applying it to the paper as if it were paint."

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: Golden Oak

Aroma: Sweet oak, lemon peel with vanilla biscuits and pear

Taste: Syrup sponge with citrus curd, orchard fruits and a hint of nutmeg

Finish: Medium with sweet oak and citrus peel

ABV: 40%

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COLOUR COLLECTION 15 YEARS OLD (US$165 RRP)

"The oak casks used for The Macallan Colour Collection 15 Years Old are seasoned with sherry wine from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. 

With flavours of citrus, vanilla and baked peaches, the whisky is a natural beech colour - the outcome of our new make spirit and exceptional oak casks working harmoniously together over the years.

Warmth emanates through this piece, from the soft orange brushstrokes evoking the orchards of Jerez de la Frontera – echoed in the shade of the wave pattern designed by Artist and Graphic Designer David Carson to the repetition of the bottle and the whisky inside."

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: Rich Beech

Aroma: Gentle oak, vanilla toffee, candied orange peel and crystalised ginger

Taste: Sweet citrus pastry with creamy vanilla custard and baked peaches

Finish: Medium with toasted oak, citrus and cinnamon

ABV: 43%

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COLOUR COLLECTION 18 YEARS OLD (US$350 RRP)

"The oak casks used for The Macallan Colour Collection 18 Years Old are seasoned with sherry wine from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. 

With flavours of vanilla, milk chocolate, orange and honeycomb, the whisky is a natural, auburn colour - the outcome of our new make spirit and exceptional oak casks working harmoniously together over the years.

Artist and Graphic Designer David Carson captures the warmth of the evening sun as it shines on the “teja” tiles on the roofs of the bodegas in Jerez de la Frontera, against a backdrop of vineyards with chalk-white soil – the perfect environment to enjoy a dram of The Macallan."

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: Light Auburn

Aroma: Clementine, panna cotta, baked apples with sultanas sweet oak

Taste: Vanilla sponge, milk chocolate with orange, citrus peel, oak and honeycomb

Finish: Medium with sweet oak and orange

ABV: 43%

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COLOUR COLLECTION 21 YEARS OLD (US$1,100 RRP)

"The oak casks used for The Macallan Colour Collection 21 Years Old are seasoned with sherry wine from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. 

With flavours of tropical fruits, coffee, hazelnuts and dark chocolate orange, the whisky is a natural, warm bronze colour - the outcome of our new make spirit and exceptional oak casks working harmoniously together over the years.

Artist and Graphic Designer David Carson has brought the influence of the cask to the fore  through an array of rich brown tones that evoke the wood and its toasted, caramel flavours, with a hint of spice."

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: Warm Bronze

Aroma: Crème Brûlée, candied orange and lemon, sweet aged oak with caramelised pineapple

Taste: Tropical fruits, candied ginger, coffee creme, hazelnuts, dark chocolate orange and cardamom

Finish: Medium with balanced oak spices

ABV: 43%

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COLOUR COLLECTION 30 YEARS OLD (US$4,455 RRP)

"The oak casks used for The Macallan Colour Collection 30 Years Old are seasoned with sherry wine from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. 

With flavours of tropical fruits, almond, cinnamon, nutmeg and crystalised lemon peel, the whisky is a natural, deep chestnut colour - the outcome of our new make spirit and exceptional oak casks working harmoniously together over the years.

Years of maturation in our exceptional oak casks has created a deep flavour profile of wood spice, tropical fruit and crème brûlée that Artist and Graphic Designer David Carson has rendered with juxtaposed cutouts of wood grain, stippled orange paint, and zesty yellow brushstrokes."

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep Chestnut

Aroma: Pineapple, dried mango, caramelised banana, crème brûlée with sweet aged oak and orange oil

Taste: Tropical fruits with almond, touch of cinnamon and nutmeg intertwined with creamy baked custard and crystalised lemon peel

Finish: Medium with sweet woodspice and tropical fruits

ABV: 43%

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Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team