Simon Wittenberg explores The Macallan’s new Anecdotes of Ages Collection, an extraordinary art and whisky collaboration with Sir Peter Blake, the famous British pop artist, best known for co-creating the sleeve design for the Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

This is the third time that The Macallan has joined forces with Sir Peter Blake to commemorate the Speyside distillery’s rich legacy and an icon’s remarkable contribution to the art world.

The latest collaboration, named the Anecdotes of Ages Collection, features 13 one-of-a-kind bottles of exceptional 1967 whisky, which will be highly-prized worldwide by whisky and art lovers alike.

This single malt has been matured for more than half a century and was carefully selected to represent the year that Sir Peter Blake’s signature collages translated from art into popular culture.

Topped with an oak stopper, each of the 13 bottles is hand-blown and feature original Sir Peter Blake collage art on the label, detailing unique stories relating to The Macallan’s history, community, and the beautiful natural landscape of The Macallan Estate. If that’s not enough, the label is signed by Sir Peter Blake.

The set comes in a handcrafted European oak case that incorporates miniature photography based upon Sir Peter Blake’s inspirational journey with The Macallan; the expressions are also complemented by a leather-bound tome which showcases all 13artworks and corresponding stories as well as a certificate of authenticity.

Whilst the 13th original bottle will take pride of place in The Macallan’s archive in Scotland, a highly limited edition whisky, restricted to just 322 bottles, and featuring a duplicate label and the same rare 1967 whisky, will be released as The Anecdotes of Ages Collection: Down to Work Limited Edition (46.7% ABV) priced at £50,000 each.

Boasting a caramelised peach hue, the aroma delivers classic antique oak, dried fruit and fig combined with hints of pineapple and mango layered with a decadent chocolate strawberry note. On the palate, there is a taste of warm chocolate with light nutmeg and ginger, whilst the finish is complex, with dashes of sweet oak and lightly spiced peach.

Sarah Burgess with Sir Peter Blake.

Sir Peter Blake and The Macallan have mutual respect for craftsmanship, and this is the foundation for their relationship. It is this coupled with their strong desire to deliver visionary work combined with creativity that has helped it to stand the test of time.

Thirty-five years ago, Sir Peter collaborated with The Macallan to create a bespoke label for the Macallan 1926, which was inspired by well-known events from that era. They once more combined their skills in 2012 to create a limited edition art piece in celebration of Sir Peter’s 80th birthday and the many years of collaboration with the iconic whisky brand.

An Estate, A Community, And A Distillery whisky

Whisky lovers can also enjoy a further special single malt Scotch (47.7% ABV). This was created in commemoration of Sir Peters visit to The Macallan Estate on the legendary River Spey. An Estate, A Community, And A Distillery are displayed in a custom box inspired by Sir Peter Blake’s art. With this is a certificate outlining the heritage and history on which the art was based, alongside artwork from Sir Peter Blake printed on a scroll.

Bottles are priced at £750 each, and whisky aficionados are treated to a cinnamon shade, an aroma that’s rich in dried fruits, and a long, rich oak finish with cinnamon and cacao.

The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection – Where and How?

For further information on The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection, visit www.themacallan.com.

Photo credit: Mary McCartney

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