The Macallan recently dropped the 2022 M Collection – an aspirational trio of limited-edition single malt whiskies which includes The Macallan M, Macallan Black and the latest addition to the series: the Macallan Copper.
While the first two whiskies were launched in 2013 and 2017 respectively, this year marks the debut launch of Macallan Copper.
The latest release, M Copper, pays tribute to the “curiously small copper stills” Macallan is known for. The distiller uses the smallest stills in Scotland, a conscious decision to maximise the contact of the spirit with the copper, creating concentrated, full-bodied whiskies.
From the accompanying notes, we can share that this is a vibrant and elegant expression which brings the flavours created in the stills to the fore. The whisky captures notes of banana, pear and white peach combined with malty biscuit, marshmallow and vanilla on the nose, and caramelised banana and sherbet which develope into malt and spiced oak before culminating in a long, smooth toasted oak.
The six pillars
The Collection pays tribute to the brand’s six pillars. Each one highlights the quality and character of Macallan whiskies: natural colour, mastery, curiously small spirit stills, the estate, exceptional oak casks and sherry seasoning.
Since there are six pillars and only three releases, we can expect more to follow. As for the previous releases, the Macallan M 2022 proudly showcases the pillar of rich “natural colour”, while the transparent decanter reflects the “honesty of no artificial colouring'” With a rich amber hue, M reveals the distillery’s classic sherry seasoned, full-flavoured character imparting notes of chocolate, rich dried fruit, and spice.
Expect sweet black cherry and demerara sugar on the nose. On the palate, expect herbal notes of liquorice and tea leaves.
Finally, The Macallan M Black represents The Macallan’s dedication to “Mastery”. The subtle, smoky expression is derived from meticulously selected casks by the Whisky Mastery Team, which were matured further in the sherry-seasoned oak casks as they gather depth and distinction over time. Fresh apple, pear and citrus combine with sweet dates on the nose followed by a complex palate of charred peaches, honeyed fig, and decadent dark chocolate emerge into warming peat and spiced ginger.
The statuesque decanters
Packaging has become an important part of the annual releases, and the decanters for the collection are quite extraordinary. Created in collaboration with renowned creative director Fabien Baron and French crystal maker Lalique, the decanters feature six crystal clear facets. They are encased in exquisite outer packaging, and sustainably sourced in Scotland.
Noticeably, there is no age statement on any of the releases, and as with all things Macallan, the series is priced at a healthy premium and highly collectable.
The Macallan M 2022 release has an RRSP of S$9,150 (70 cl); the Macallan M Black 2022 release has an RRSP of $10,303, and The Macallan M Copper 2022 release has an RRSP of $11,530, all inclusive of GST.