Before whisky, The Macallan was simply a named estate in the heartland of Scotland’s countryside. Known to house the grandiose Easter Elchies manor encircled by a verdant farmland, it overlooked the sterling waters of the River Spey. In 1824, the farmland’s fertile alluvial soil, ideal for barley cultivation, realised its potential under Alexander Reid’s vision—whisky manufacturing, transcending its name beyond the humble estate to the hands of whisky coteries.
Two centuries later, The Macallan commemorates its 200-year milestone with a multi-sensorial journey through time, named The Heart of the Spirit, in Singapore. Bringing forth an experience that enables guests to traverse through time, the monumental event will allow visitors to experience the origins of The Macallan and its rise to prominence in the present day.
The experiential voyage commences with a homage to the founding pioneers and their contributions—delving into their scrupulous obsession with quality, zealous dedication towards craftsmanship, and how they have moulded the meaning of The Macallan—all through captivating visitors’ senses with tactile interactions.
In a symphony of celebratory illustrations and poetry strung together by lauded visual artist Javi Aznarez and award-winning Scottish poet Jenni Fagan, guests are invited to immerse in the intricate artistry that showcases the heart of The Macallan. A treat for art and whisky aficionados alike, the works of art curated for the experience will be immortalised in a limited-edition book released later this year.
Guests are first introduced to a captivating digital animation, where Javi Aznrez’s illustrations find life in an animated tale accompanied by Jenni Fagan’s narration of whispers from The Macallan’s past, present and future. While strolling through the rich heritage and ethos of the brand’s spirit, the signature taste of The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years old is presented to guests.
In honour of The Macallan’s 200-year legacy, the experience concludes with guests indulging in a bespoke cocktail exclusive to The Heart of the Spirit experience. A celebration in a glass, the exquisite creation is a testament to The Macallan’s prevailing mastery in blending an appreciation for nature and creativity. Reflecting the birth of the brand, the cocktail weds the luxurious sherry-oak whisky and an amalgamation of natural ingredients delighting our tastebuds.
Last, but certainly not least, visitors will also get to preview a special set of two new whiskies from The Macallan, presented in bespoke vessels that have utilised both cutting-edge engineering and ancient craftsmanship. Taking you through the past, present and future of the brand, these new releases reflect the brand’s interpretation of time travel through whisky mastery.
The first release, TIME:SPACE, arrives in an intricate dual-chamber vessel displayed in a unique oak sculpture. Inside, you’ll find two whiskies that each mark a significant milestone for The Macallan. Aged for an incredible 84 years, the 1940 vintage is the oldest whisky released by The Macallan till date. Accompanying it is a single malt from 2018, marking the first ever whisky from the brand’s new distillery.
The second release is aptly dubbed TIME:SPACE Mastery. The first thing you notice is its showstopping presentation. Housed in a striking circular vessel with a contrasting, vibrant red interior, the item is studded with 200 spikes to represent the historic brand’s bicentennial year. Held within is an equally spectacular whisky. Featuring 14 exceptional cask types to creating layers of complexity with aroma, texture and flavour, this new whisky draws from The Macallan’s 200 years of exceptional inventory—awakening your senses to something wholly new.
The Heart of the Spirit experience runs from 7 to 22 September 2024.
