The Macallan's New Colour Collection Is Its Most Surprising Yet

The Macallan is no stranger to rolling out collections of unique whiskies focused on somewhat obtuse concepts, like old advertising campaigns, James Bond, or their six foundational pillars. So when the Craigellachie, Scotland-based distillery announced their newest collection will fixate on natural color—yes, that’s with a “u” like the Brits do—via the dried-blood brown landscape of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, it shouldn’t seem like too much of a stretch.

In good news, like many of the ranges that have come before it, The Macallan Colour Collection concentrates on something the brand holds dear as well as a principal part of their whisky making process, which, turns out, helps make some darn good Scotch.

Related: Best Scotch Whisky: Experts Share Top 15 Bottles to Buy Now

The Macallan Colour Collection comprises five age statement single-malt Scotch whiskies. Beginning with the gold oak of the Colour Collection 12 Years Old and developing to the burnished chestnut of the 30 Years Old, the range spans the shades of the whisky spectrum, showcasing the hues derived from maturation in sherry-seasoned oak casks.

In order to create the visuals behind this high-minded, art-meets-whisky collection, Macallan teamed up with graphic designer David Carson. The former professional surfer turned his creative lens towards Jerez, where Macallan gets its sherry-seasoned oak casks. He then created the designs featured on the Colour Collection’s packaging, which take center stage in the brand’s campaign.

“The expressive wonder of color is something that never gets old,” says Carson. “You just can't beat nature’s palette. I see Jerez as one huge, white canvas, its mysteries waiting to be discovered. Working with The Macallan is like having a conversation with an old friend—one who happens to be an excellent craftsman. They’ve spent 200 years refining their processes to create the best whisky possible, and the knowledge they have is really incredible.”

“To experience the shapes, the colors, the textures, the soil from Jerez de la Frontera, it’s really inspiring," says Carson. "This is where every one of The Macallan’s sherry-seasoned casks comes from. This is the soul of the Colour Collection. It all starts here.”

Related: 26 Best Tequila Brands of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

“The Macallan Colour Collection is a visual celebration of our commitment to natural color and sherry seasoning, with each of the five distinctive whiskies taking travelers through a compelling sensory journey of the remarkable spectrum of natural hues derived from maturation in The Macallan’s sherry-seasoned oak casks,” says Kirsteen Campbell, master whisky maker at The Macallan. "It is these exceptional oak casks which are the single greatest contributor to the quality, flavors, and distinctive aromas at the heart of our single malts.

“Deepening in color with age, each expression tells its own story and is a prism through which consumers can explore the unique characteristics which underpin the exceptional craftsmanship, renowned quality and rich character of our single malt whisky,” Campbell says.

The Colour Collection is available in The Macallan Global Boutiques and in key airports and travel destinations around the world. We've also found the 21 Year Old bottle available online (see below).

[$3,800; frootbat.com]