As the most revered name in Scotch whisky, The Macallan has embraced its global stature by collaborating on limited edition releases with artists of all stripes. But for its latest collection, the 200-year-old Speyside distillery is tapping into its Scottish roots with a dual release that celebrates one of the country’s most influential creative minds.
The Tree of Life Collection features two extraordinary, limited-edition single malt expressions crafted in homage to the enduring legacy of visionary 20th-century Art Nouveau icon Charles Rennie Mackintosh. And trust us, the headliner here is something special.
A Meaningful Number
You don’t have to be a Scotch snob to see that The Tree of Life bottling is the more notable of the two releases. Not only has this beautifully-housed single malt been aged for an impressive 46 years but it’s limited to just 112 Lalique decanters globally.
While age statements in whisky don’t always correlate with quality, this one carries a deliberate connection to its namesake. At 46 years old, Mackintosh retreated to the countryside to take a break from architecture and completely reconnect with nature, producing some of his finest watercolors ever. Taking note, The Macallan thoughtfully tied this detail into the release, elevating it beyond just another ultra-aged statement.
Liquid History in a Glass
This 46-year-old centerpiece has been selected from two sherry-seasoned oak casks dating back to 1979. After nearly five decades maturing in Speyside’s distinctive climate, these casks have yielded something truly remarkable. Helmed by Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell, the liquid is said to display an aroma of “tropical fruits charred over smoldering peat embers and elegant antique oak,” giving way to more smoky peat and tropical fruits on the palate, along with dark chocolate-covered raisins.
But seasoned Macallan sippers will notice one small detail: the mention of peat at the forefront. While the distillery’s offerings have been known to exhibit a hint of smokiness on the tongue from time to time, heavy peat isn’t part of its current whisky profiles — but that wasn’t always the case. Just like some of its other special-edition offerings (TIME:SPACE and the M Black come to mind), The Tree of Life looks back at the Speyside legend’s 1940s-era Scotch where fuel shortages during the War forced them to use more peat.
Artistry in Vessel
Continuing The Macallan’s rich history of creative partnerships across fashion, art, and gastronomy, the presentation here is stunning. The whisky is showcased in a bespoke Lalique crystal decanter featuring a crystal rose stopper inspired by Mackintosh’s 1902 stained-glass panel “The Spirit of the Rose.” The bottle is encased in a sculpture that draws from the architectural metalwork characteristic of Mackintosh’s designs.
The sculpture design builds on the decanter’s depiction of nature, protectively encasing the crystal as it moves upwards and outwards, redolent of a tree as it reaches towards the sun. As always, The Macallan’s commitment to carrying thematic elements through every aspect of the product is nothing short of impressive.
For a More Accessible Expression
If the Tree of Life’s price tag (and extreme rarity) puts it beyond reach, The Macallan has you covered. Complementing this exceptional release is Art is the Flower, a single malt Scotch whisky showcasing the exemplary art of whisky making. Also inspired by Mackintosh’s “The Spirit of the Rose,” the release presents naturally developed flavors derived from sherry-seasoned European oak casks, including notes of raisin, fig, polished oak, cherry, and almonds. At $1,000, it’s still a special occasion bottle but considerably more attainable than its older sibling.
Spec Sheet
Expression: The Tree of Life by The Macallan
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 46 years
ABV: 46.2%
Aroma: Tropical fruits, smoldering peat embers, antique oak, citrus, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg
Palate: Smoky peat, tropical fruit, dark chocolate-covered raisins, elegant oak, complex wood spice
Limited Edition?: Yes, 112
Pricing & Availability
The Tree of Life single malt will be available exclusively through invitation from The Macallan, with pricing available upon invitation. In other words, if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it. For those seeking the more accessible Art is the Flower whisky, it will be available from May 6 directly from the distillery, as well as luxury retailers, at a suggested retail price of $1,000.
Recap
The Macallan The Tree of Life 46 Year Single Malt Whisky
Celebrating legendary artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Macallan is offering a limited-to-112 single malt Scotch aged for 46 years and presented in this remarkable metal housing.
