Bentley and Macallan Launch Rare New Whiskey: The Horizon
Bentley Motors is one of the most sought-after luxury car brands in the world. The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. The continued collaboration of these two remarkable brands stretches back some years, with exclusive whiskeys and decanters.
From this joint venture comes Macallan The Horizon, the first release designed and crafted in collaboration with Bentley Motors. Fusing automotive design with an exceptional single malt whiskey (or whisky in Scotland) in the time-honored traditions of craftsmanship and indulgence, Macallan Horizon stands out among the best and most expensive alcohols in the world. The limited edition release of The Horizon with Bentley also marks the 200 year anniversary of the famous distillery.
The Macallan Horizon is presented in a unique bespoke glass vessel, designed to be displayed horizontally. The vessel is encased in a sculpture lined with the finest low carbon leather, expertly crafted, in a chestnut color to ornately finish and protect the precious whisky. A surrounding copper frame is precision engineered from recycled copper, which includes copper from the stills previously used by The Macallan, prior to the internationally acclaimed new Distillery being unveiled in 2019.
Meticulously crafted by The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell. Originally from Thurso in the Highlands, in 2019 Kirsteen became the first woman to take on the position of The Macallan Master Whisky Maker in its long-standing history spanning almost 200 years.
From six first-fill sherry seasoned oak casks, the whisky has been crafted to capture the essence of a Bentley. Six individual casks have been selected from the stocks maturing in the warehouses at The Macallan Estate. Expertly combined, each cask brings its own particular characteristics to The Macallan Horizon.
Rich and indulgent dried fruit and spice flavour notes are beautifully balanced with oak and leather, aromas abundant in Bentley’s world. The whisky’s rich and long-lasting finish also mirrors the car’s timeless quality and design, resulting in a true stimulation of the senses through taste and texture.
The Macallan Horizon is the most complex and visionary whisky project that The Macallan has embarked upon, and has required a profound and ongoing exchange of expertise with the team at Bentley Motors. Our collaboration with Bentley and the knowledge exchange we have undertaken has inspired us to see things very differently. In the spirits world, everything is vertical, such as our stills and our bottles. When we looked at the horizontal plane that Bentley’s grand tourers occupy, it made us consider if and how we could adapt this format for whisky, which ultimately requires to be poured and enjoyed.“The beautiful design we have created together for The Macallan Horizon and the unique materials that have been incorporated are testament to the incomparable craftsmanship, innovation and creativity for which The Macallan and Bentley are renowned.” —Jaume Ferras, Creative Director, The Macallan
Whisky Maker’s Notes
ABV: 46.6%
Colour: Dark mahogany
Nose: Resinous polished oak with plums and dark cherries, alongside aromatic fresh leather and a herbal, leafy note. An abundance of dried fruits follow – sticky dates, raisins and sultanas leading on to sweet cinnamon, nutmeg with a hint of cloves.
Palate/Taste: Wonderfully rich and indulgent. Dark treacle notes with cinder toffee, crystalised ginger and charred pineapple. Sweet vanilla pods and fudge develop, followed by dark chocolate coated brazil nuts and a warming oak spice.
Finish: Rich oak, long, complex.
The Macallan Horizon is a highly limited-edition release available in 70cl only, available from The Macallan Estate Boutique and our global network of domestic and travel retail Boutiques, as well as in premium off-trade retailers.
The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate, and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. For further information visit www.themacallan.com and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind the whiskies.
At a bit over $50,000 a bottle, The Horizon may be more than the average priced car. Then again, Bentley and Macallan are two brands that have never been average.
