The Macallan Unveils Volume II in Historic Series for 200th Anniversary
The Macallan embarks on its bicentennial jubilee in 2024, marking the occasion with the unveiling of Tales of The Macallan Volume II. This exceptional single malt whisky forms part of the renowned Tales of The Macallan series, each edition narrating the saga of pivotal characters in the distillery’s rich history. Volume II is a reverent nod to Alexander Reid, the visionary founder of Macallan, who pioneered whisky distillation on the Easter Elchies Estate in Speyside.
The Legacy of Alexander Reid
Reid, a man of many talents – a teacher, farmer, and distiller – initiated the whisky-making process at The Macallan with distinctively small stills. His choice stood in stark contrast to his contemporaries, who favored larger-volume stills throughout the 19th century.
A Masterful Selection
Euan Kennedy, The Macallan’s lead whisky maker, handpicked the whisky for this release. Distilled in 1949 and bottled in 2022, it is encased in a meticulously crafted crystal decanter by Lalique, a longstanding collaborator of The Macallan. This exquisite decanter is housed in an 800-page almanac, a masterpiece by London-based bookbinders Shepherds, Sangorski & Sutcliffe, and Zaehnsdorf. Each chapter in the book delves into Reid’s story, brought to life with illustrations by British artist Andrew Davidson.
Further enriching this tribute, an animated short film featuring Davidson’s illustrations has been produced, accompanied by an original score by Scottish composer Craig Armstrong.
Kennedy’s Ode to Craftsmanship
Kennedy reflects: “Tales of The Macallan Volume II is a homage to our founder Alexander Reid, whose unwavering dedication to quality and craftsmanship laid the foundations for the exceptional standards that have inspired generations of whisky makers at The Macallan, including myself. The whisky, with its bronzed oak tones and subtle red hues, mirrors Reid’s Scots surname meaning – ‘the red one’. This rare and complex single malt, aged to perfection, carries a smokiness reminiscent of whiskies from Alexander’s era. As we commemorate our 200th year, it serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.”
Exclusive Availability
A limited run of 344 decanters of Tales of The Macallan Volume II will be released, each priced at US$89,000 / 89,000€ / £77,391. These collectibles will be available at The Macallan Estate, Macallan Boutiques, and select high-end retailers like Harrods, Selfridges, The Whisky Shop, and Berry Bros. & Rudd starting 26 January.
