New Releases Scotch Whisky Whisky/Whiskey

The Macallan Horizon: Exceptional Collaboration from The Macallan and Bentley Motors

The Macallan Horizon is the first limited-edition single malt Scotch whisky designed and crafted in collaboration with Bentley Motors–combining expertise from the worlds of exceptional whisky and extraordinary automotive design. Presented in a visionary horizontal vessel featuring a unique 180-degree twist detail, The Macallan Horizon demonstrates an unparalleled approach to product innovation and design.

In tribute to The Macallan’s Six Pillars, the foundation stones for the character of The Macallan and the creation of its rich spirit, six materials are incorporated into the release that are integral to The Macallan, Bentley Motors and a partnership founded in innovation.

Challenging the conventions of traditional whisky bottling, The Macallan Horizon is showcased in a horizontal glass vessel–reflecting the horizontal plane of the automotive world, pushing the boundaries and art of the possible. An aluminum ribbon envelops the glass and is precision engineered to Bentley’s exacting standards, in homage to the key material used in the sculptural foundation and bodywork of a Bentley motorcar.
 
The vessel is encased in a sculpture lined with the finest low carbon leather, expertly crafted in a chestnut colorway to ornately finish and protect the precious whisky. A surrounding recycled copper frame is carefully engineered and includes copper from the stills previously used by The Macallan, prior to the internationally acclaimed Distillery being unveiled in 2019. 
 
Crafted from one of the six casks used in the maturation of this whisky and inspired by the aesthetics of the Bentley Drive Dynamic Control rotary dial, an inlay of oak wood on the closure is integral to the design. The sculpture is finished with Bentley’s Crown Cut Walnut veneer, a specification meticulously developed for its vehicles.
 
The sixth and final component is the exceptional single malt Scotch whisky, created exclusively for The Macallan Horizon. Crafted by The Macallan Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell, the whisky captures the essence of Bentley through a complex and bold taste. Six first-fill sherry seasoned oak casks from the stocks maturing at The Macallan Estate were painstakingly selected to craft this single malt. Each cask brings its own particular characteristics to The Macallan Horizon as the spirit absorbs an incomparable intensity of flavor, texture and natural color.
 
The Macallan’s renowned rich and indulgent dried fruit and spice flavor notes are beautifully balanced with oak and leather, aromas abundant in Bentley’s world. The whisky’s long-lasting finish mirrors the car’s timeless quality and design, resulting in a single malt that is a true stimulation of the senses through taste and texture. With a ABV of 46.6%–a nod to the six casks, six materials and The Macallan’s Six Pillars–The Macallan Horizon stands as a testament to the unwavering pursuit of innovation. 
 
Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, said: “The Macallan Horizon is the most complex and visionary whisky project that The Macallan has embarked upon, and has required a profound and ongoing exchange of expertise with the team at Bentley Motors.
 
Our collaboration with Bentley and the knowledge exchange we have undertaken has inspired us to see things very differently. In the spirits world, everything is vertical, such as our stills and our bottles. When we looked at the horizontal plane that Bentley’s grand tourers occupy, it made us consider if and how we could adapt this format for whisky, which ultimately requires to be poured and enjoyed.
 
The beautiful design we have created together for The Macallan Horizon and the unique materials that have been incorporated are testament to the incomparable craftsmanship, innovation and creativity for which The Macallan and Bentley are renowned.”
 
Adrian Hallmark, Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, comments: “We’ve spent years working with The Macallan through our partnership, taking time to craft this incredible first joint product that represents the best of both brands. Centered on innovative materials that reflect our focus on the future, the end result–both the whisky and the vessel that contains it–are stunning, and represent a new benchmark for design, materials and quality in this space.”
 
Fusing both traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge precision engineering technology, The Macallan Horizon pushes the art of the possible–where purpose meets innovation, craftsmanship and beauty.
 
The Macallan Horizon is a limited-edition release available in 700ml for an SRP of $50,000. The new single malt Scotch whisky will be sold at The Macallan Estate Boutique and our global network of domestic and travel retail Boutiques, as well as in premium off-trade retailers.
 
Whisky Maker’s Notes

ABV: 46.6%, a nod to both the six casks and The Macallan’s Six Pillars

Color: Dark mahogany

Nose: Resinous polished oak with plums and dark cherries, alongside aromatic fresh leather and an herbal, leafy note. An abundance of dried fruits follow–sticky dates, raisins and sultanas leading on to sweet cinnamon, nutmeg with a hint of cloves.

Palate/Taste: Wonderfully rich and indulgent. Dark treacle notes with cinder toffee, crystalized ginger and charred pineapple. Sweet vanilla pods and fudge develop, followed by dark chocolate coated brazil nuts and a warming oak spice.

Finish: Rich oak, long, complex.

About The Macallan

The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky.
 
An obsession with quality and craftsmanship is the hallmark of The Macallan. The outstanding quality and distinctive character of each whisky is influenced by exceptional oak casks seasoned with sherry wine–a commitment to natural color underpinned by mastery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate, and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. The past 200 years have been a prologue for everything that is still to come. This is a journey through time. This is The Macallan, 200 Years Young.
 
Crafted without compromise. Please savor The Macallan responsibly.

About Bentley Motors

Bentley Motors is the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s five model lines, Continental GT, Continental GTC, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga EWB. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.