It seems like it was just yesterday when The Macallan unveiled its 60th-anniversary collection for 007’s silver screen debut. Back in 2022, the stunning set of six bottles nodded to each decade of James Bond’s cinematic journey. It was nearly implied that this wasn’t the end of the partnership, but lo, the follow-up has finally arrived.
A Villain Revealed Through Vintage
Celebrating the 55th anniversary of Bond’s seventh installment, 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, the new single malt release pulls inspiration from the plot as well. In the film, Sean Connery’s 007 uses his knowledge of wine — specifically a 1955 Château Mouton Rothschild — to identify a villain. This cinematic moment became the muse behind Whisky Maker Russell Greig’s latest creation, where American oak casks that previously held red wine join The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned European and American oak in a first-of-its-kind hybrid maturation process. Distilled in 2007 (of course) and aged for 18 years, the expression embodies the film’s central theme of duality — nothing is quite as it appears.
The Macallan’s Bond History
For those keeping track, The Macallan’s relationship with 007 stretches back further than you might think. Bond first visibly sipped the Speyside single malt in 2012’s Skyfall, where a 50-year-old 1962 vintage made a cameo that perfectly aligned with Dr. No‘s release year. The brand appeared again in Spectre, cementing itself as Daniel Craig’s Bond’s whisky of choice. By 2022, the partnership went official with that aforementioned 60th-anniversary collection.
Nevada in a Bottle
The natural color alone — what The Macallan calls “Nevada Rock” — evokes the Aztec sandstone surrounding Las Vegas, where much of Diamonds Are Forever unfolds. Bottled at 45.5% ABV (another nod to the 55th anniversary), the packaging draws from original production art in the Bond archives. But the real story is inside the glass. Polished oak and vanilla bean greet you on the nose, backed by rich dried fruits. The palate opens with caramel and cocoa-dusted truffles, transitioning into figs, berries, apricots, and a whisper of nutmeg. The finish is long and warm, exactly what you’d want from an 18-year expression with this level of innovation behind it.
Spec Sheet
Whisky: The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age Statement: 18 Years (Distilled 2007)
Aroma: Polished oak, vanilla bean, dried fruits
Palate: Creamy vanilla, caramel, cocoa truffles, coffee, figs, berries, apricots, nutmeg
Finish: Long and refined with lingering warmth
ABV: 45.5%
Price: $750
Pricing & Availability
Available now exclusively through The Macallan’s website and at The Macallan Estate Boutique for $750, the expression will reach select U.S. retailers starting in March.
Recap
The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Whisky
The Macallan just dropped a new James Bond whisky honoring the 55th anniversary of Diamonds Are Forever, and it’s their first expression to use red wine casks alongside their signature sherry-seasoned oak. Distilled in 2007 and aged 18 years, the $750 bottle pulls directly from the film’s plot where Bond uses his wine knowledge to identify a villain.
