Premium single malt whisky brand Macallan has teamed up with luxury automobile brand Bentley Motors to officially launch the limited edition whisky ‘Macallan Horizon’ in the Asian market for the first time. Macallan Horizon is an innovative limited edition single malt Scotch whisky that embodies Macallan’s craftsmanship and Bentley’s precise engineering, featuring unique designs inspired by automotive aesthetics.
To celebrate this event, Macallan’s official importer and distributor ‘DNP Spirits’ hosted the official launch event of Macallan Horizon at Bentley Tower in Dongdaemun, Seoul, on September 4, in partnership with Bentley’s domestic partner ‘Bentley Seoul.’
Martin Heimer, Managing Director of Edreington North Asia, which oversees Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and more, remarked, “Macallan Horizon reflects the shared values of both Macallan and Bentley brands, symbolizing a beautiful piece that goes beyond mere whisky to represent the fusion of tradition and modern technology.” He added, “The integration of traditional whisky-making methods with contemporary design will offer whisky enthusiasts a completely new experience.”
Macallan Horizon represents one of the most innovative projects McAllan has embarked on, completed through profound and ongoing knowledge exchange between Macallan and Bentley Motors. This collaboration brought fresh perspectives, introducing a horizontal form to a world where vertical alignment was the norm for whisky. Notably, the 180-degree twisted asymmetrical horizontal design challenges the aesthetics of traditional vertically-shaped whisky bottles and expands the boundaries of possibility and art.
The stunning design and unique materials of Macallan Horizon showcase the unparalleled craftsmanship, innovation, and creativity of both brands.
In celebrating Macallan’s cornerstone and philosophy of ‘Six Pillars’, Macallan Horizon consists of six essential components (whisky, wood, copper, aluminum, leather, glass) that are vital to Macallan and Bentley Motors, crafted utilizing the skills of highly skilled artisans and precise engineering techniques.
The first component of Macallan Horizon is a refined and bold single malt Scotch whisky that is housed in a horizontally-shaped bottle, breaking the mold of traditional forms. This bottle is sealed with an ‘aluminum’ ribbon, used in the body design of Bentley vehicles, and wrapped in premium chestnut-colored low-carbon ‘leather’ adornments. Additionally, a frame made from recycled ‘copper’ used in the old Macallan distillery’s stills has been applied, and the closure designed after the Bentley Drive Dynamic Control Dial incorporates wood sourced from one of the oak casks used in Macallan Horizon’s aging. The exterior is finished with crown-cut walnut veneer, which is also used in Bentley vehicle interiors.
Macallan Horizon was crafted with all materials ethically sourced to realize the shared value of sustainability between both brands.
Horizon not only delivers a striking design but also offers profound enjoyment through its whisky. The rich and warm notes of dried fruits like plums and dark cherries, along with a touch of spice, create a harmonious balance with the oak and leather aromas one would experience in the world of Bentley. The rich and enduring finish of Macallan Horizon reflects timeless values and design while engaging all the senses through its flavors and textures.
Crafted delicately by Macallan’s first female Master Whisky Maker, Kirstin Campbell, Macallan Horizon whisky was first filled into six sherry seasoned casks for aging. This whisky was designed to capture the essence of the collaboration with Bentley. Six casks, carefully selected from those aged in the Macallan distillery warehouse, each impart unique characteristics to Macallan Horizon. Offered in a single 700ml size, Macallan Horizon is produced in limited quantities worldwide.
Written by Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr