MACALLAN 1967- EASTER ELCHIES ESTATE
Beginning in 1824 until now, each single malt by The Macallan demonstrates an absolute commitment to extracting the very best from wood and spirits. Considered the third famous single Malt whiskey in the world, the consumption of Macallan is always impressive. As one of the immortal symbols of the whiskey line.
Peter Blake has worked with Sarah Burgess, The Macallan’s leading whiskey maker and has shared his inspiration in his areas of expertise, for that, each of the 13 original bottles with their unique labels details significant stories relating to our history, community, and the beautiful natural landscape of The Macallan Estate.
A sunny, summer evening at Easter Elchies is a joy. Since The Macallan officially began life here in 1824, such moments have inspired countless artists and authors. Those who frequent The Macallan Estate relish the warmth too, mindful of the seasons to come. For visitors and dwellers alike, this is a cherished landscape of forests and farmland, set against vistas of epic proportions.
On this label, against a backdrop of sunlit fields and trees, Sir Peter Blake introduces five local inhabitants. They are startling in their immediacy. Vibrant, russet red and gold against the green, they radiate pulsing life. Bold collage lends the creatures extraordinary presence.
The red squirrel, scarce to non-existent elsewhere, is proudly native. Red deer stag, red-legged partridge, hares and rabbits enjoy rights to roam, long written into the natural cycle. The Estate’s small herd of hairy Highland cattle (with some Aberdeen Angus companions) continue a long tradition of farming at Easter Elchies. The land tells of cultivation and diligent care.
That respect is amplified by The Macallan’s commitment to sustainability. Co-existence, in complete harmony with nature, is not a feelgood indulgence, but an imperative here. In Mary McCartney’s photograph, the season has advanced to autumn. A wide and weathered tree stump, on which the bottle sits, is of great age. It hints at the necessity of renewal on the Estate, even as the stump plays nursery to opportunistic flora and fungi.
The warmth of the setting, as on the label, is a perfect cipher for the liquid in the bottle. A single malt from a rare, 1967 outturn, it was ‘nosed’ by Lead Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess. There are rich, exotic hints of fig, mango and light nutmeg that, together with the familiar sherried oak notes that characterise The Macallan, deliver a profile that sings every bit as magically as Easter Elchies appears in the gentle, evening sun.
The outer box for these special whiskies has been modelled on Sir Peter Blake’s own traditional art supply box, bringing together the world of art and whisky. A squirrel is laser etched on a removable panel, revealing a thumbnail photography collage documenting Sir Peter’s journey with The Macallan for the creation of this collection.
On the side a sliding drawer features Sir Peter’s signature laser etched into the oak. Within is a leather bound book sustainably sourced in Scotland, revealing the 13 unique stories behind the full Anecdotes of Ages Collection.
