It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.
Released at the end of 2019 and created exclusively for global travel retail, this is the second of three whiskies that will complete the Concept Series. The second release celebrates Music.
The idea for the bottle came from Macallan Whisky Maker Steve Bremner who by day blends whisky and by night mixes music as a DJ.
"Music has inspired many aspects of my life, both creatively and practically, as has whisky, so the creation of Concept Number 2 allowed me to look at my two passions through a different lens" - Steve Bremner
The whisky itself has been matured in Sherry-seasoned casks, and then ex-Bourbon barrels.