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The Macallan Red Collection, introduced in late 2020, represents a remarkable journey through the history, tradition, and craftsmanship of one of Scotland’s most iconic whisky brands. At the heart of this collection is the Macallan 60 Year Old, a whisky that not only showcases the distillery’s ability to age its spirits with elegance but also emphasizes the significance of "red" in its long, storied heritage. Macallan 60 year old red collection

The Legacy of Red at Macallan 

The Macallan’s relationship with the color red is deeply rooted in its history. It traces back to Alexander Reid, the founder of The Macallan, whose surname translates to “the red one” in Scots Gaelic. This association continued through the years, with "red" appearing in various forms, such as the red label on bottles that helped distinguish Macallan in export markets during the mid-20th century.

The Red Collection honors this legacy by bringing together some of the oldest and most rare expressions of Macallan whisky, aged between 40 and 78 years. Among these, the 60 Year Old Red Collection stands out not only for its age but for the depth of character it reveals after spending six decades in carefully selected oak casks.

The Craft of the Macallan 60 Year Old

The Macallan 60 Year Old is a testament to the distillery’s mastery in maturing whisky over long periods. It’s crafted from handpicked casks, predominantly sherry-seasoned oak, which infuses the whisky with complex layers of flavor. Over 60 years, the whisky has had ample time to develop a rich profile, absorbing the characteristics of the wood while maintaining the essence of The Macallan's spirit.

A whisky aged this long is a rarity, with only a small quantity of liquid remaining after years of natural evaporation (the “angel's share”). Each bottle, therefore, represents not just time but the distiller's art in ensuring that the whisky continues to mature beautifully, without becoming overpowered by the oak.

Tasting Notes

The Macallan 60 Year Old Red Collection is an experience for the senses. Upon nosing, you’re greeted with the aromatic complexity of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and rich spices like cinnamon and cloves. There’s a delicate presence of oak, interwoven with hints of leather and a subtle smokiness that comes from decades of maturation.

On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied richness, with flavors of black cherries, sultanas, and figs, layered over a backdrop of oak, dark chocolate, and spiced orange. The texture is smooth and luxurious, with a lingering finish that introduces more wood spice, dried fruit, and a hint of sweet toffee.

A Work of Art

The presentation of The Macallan 60 Year Old Red Collection is as impressive as the liquid inside. Each bottle is beautifully crafted, housed in a handmade oak display case. The distinctive label design was created in collaboration with Spanish artist Javi Aznarez, whose unique illustrations bring to life the story of The Macallan and its connection to the color red.

Additionally, only a limited number of bottles of the 60 Year Old have been produced, making it an extremely rare and sought-after collector’s item. Auction prices for these bottles have soared, with one set of The Red Collection (including the 60-year-old) fetching over £756,400 in 2020, with proceeds going to charity.

Conclusion

The Macallan 60 Year Old Red Collection is more than just a whisky—it’s a celebration of history, craft, and passion. With its rich heritage, exceptional flavor profile, and limited availability, it stands as a true masterpiece, appealing to collectors and whisky connoisseurs alike.