The color red is woven throughout The Macallan’s history. It’s ubiquitous, from founder Alexander Reid’s surname (which means “red one” in Scots) to the scarlet hue found on many of its bottles and logo. To highlight the significance of the color, the brand launched the Red Collection in 2020. The range features some of The Macallan’s oldest and rarest single malts, and they only add new bottlings periodically. Luckily, they’ve added a new expression to their precious limited-edition juice: The Macallan Red Collection 73 Years Old.
The Red Collection currently features releases for ages 40 to 78, and includes three ongoing expressions (ages 40, 50 and 60) as well as occasional collaborations with creative partners. For 73 Years Old, The Macallan has once again partnered with Spanish illustrator and artist Javi Aznárez, who has contributed a series of illustrations to help tell the story of the expression.
The whisky in 73 Years Old dates back to 1950. It was matured in sherry-flavored oak casks under the watchful eyes of several generations of whisky makers. On the nose, a complex blend of antique oak, apricot jam, liquorice and molasses tart is presented, followed by notes of baked apple, coconut and tropical fruit. On the palate, there are notes of date, sweet wood smoke, toffee and fresh grass, fruit and a slight saltiness reminiscent of Palo Cortado sherry. Soft tannins, light spice, molasses and minerality continue on the finish.
The Macallan 73 Years Old comes in an oak presentation box made from the same European oak used for whisky casks. The interior is upholstered in sustainably sourced red leather from Scotland’s Bridge of Weir Leather, whose products are commonly found in high-end cars such as Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and McLaren.
73 Years Old is available in limited quantities and price is available upon request.
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