The Macallan, renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies, has unveiled The Anecdotes of Ages Collection, a limited-release whisky and art collaboration with renowned British pop artist Sir Peter Blake that celebrates the legacy of their combined histories.
The esteemed collection includes 13 one-of-a-kind bottles of exceptional 1967 whisky, each chosen for its classic yet distinctly colorful character representative of the year that Sir Peter Blake’s art became part of pop culture. Each individual label features an original Sir Peter Blake collage detailing unique stories related to The Macallan’s history, community, and the natural landscape of The Macallan Estate, and each is designed to resonate with both The Macallan collectors as well as art aficionados. One of the original bottles will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in support of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s diversity, equity, access, and inclusion initiatives.
“I am deeply inspired by the incredible legacy of The Macallan, and its emphasis on family, tradition, and the natural world,” said Blake, a member of the British pop art pantheon along with artists such as David Hockney, R.B. Kitaj, Joe Tilson, Allen Jones, Peter Phillips, and Derek Boshier. “Each collage in The Anecdotes of Ages Collection is inspired by The Macallan’s history and heritage, one that respects time and craft, two essential components of my own creative process. I meticulously worked on each collage, pulling from The Macallan Estate’s rich history to complete a collection that is a celebration of art and whisky.”
Each of Anecdotes of Ages bottle is hand-blown with an oak stopper; the labels are signed by Sir Peter Blake. The collection is presented in a handcrafted European oak case incorporating thumbnail photography revealing Sir Peter Blake’s inspirational three-decade journey with The Macallan. Also included is a leather-bound book showcasing the 13 label artworks and corresponding stories, as well as a certificate of authenticity. While the 13th original bottle will be retained in The Macallan archive, a highly limited-edition whisky featuring a duplicate label and the same rare 1967 whisky will be released as The Anecdotes of Ages Collection: Down to Work Limited Edition. Only 322 bottles will be available worldwide for an SRP of $83,000.
“This exceptional 1967 whisky was chosen for its classic yet distinctively colorful character, which is reminiscent of Sir Peter Blake’s work of the same year,” said Sarah Burgess, lead whisky maker for The Macallan. “With notes of oak and fig leading to a burst of hazelnut and strawberry, this is a truly special single malt that finishes with complex flavors of chocolate and lightly spiced peach. It is in many ways, its own work of art.”
Whisky and art enthusiasts can digitally explore the collection here: The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Virtual Art Exhibit. The digital journey begins in the Sir Peter Blake studio, then veers to the Anecdotes of Ages gallery showcasing the inspiration behind each of the 13 artworks gracing The Macallan bottles. Viewers can then experience The Macallan’s spiritual home at Easter Elchies Estate prior to the world reveal of the bottles with Sir Peter Blake’s handcrafted and original label artwork.
To learn more about The Macallan or about purchasing The Anecdotes of Ages Collection visit www.themacallan.com.
