Simon Wittenberg looks at the latest expression to join The Macallan’s M Collection for 2022 – limited release single malt whiskies commemorating the Speyside distillery’s Six Pillars.
The Macallan, the renowned Speyside distillery, has unveiled the brand-new M Copper, the third expression to be added to The Macallan’s 2022 M Collection, which pays homage to the brand’s six pillars. These are Natural Colour, Mastery, Curiously Small Spirit Stills, The Estate, Exceptional Oak Casks and Sherry Seasoning.
The Macallan M Copper Release (42% ABV) is a nod to the unique copper stills used by the distillery since it was founded in 1824 and joins the 2022 editions of the previously released M and M Black. Priced at £6,250 per bottle, M Copper is inspired by the Curiously Small Spirit Stills, which remain a vital component in the crafting of The Macallan’s renowned whisky.
Boasting a natural golden hue, M Copper is a vibrant and elegant whisky expression which brings the flavours created in the stills to the fore. It has a buttery, viscous mouth coating and is bursting in fruitiness with a hint of sweet malty flavour. A hand-made Lalique copper-coloured crystal decanter depicts the stills and illustrates the authenticity which drives the brand through its dedication to innovative methods.
On the nose, whisky connoisseurs will savour sweet banana, pear and white peach combined with malty biscuit, marshmallow and vanilla with a hint of citrus lemon. The palate is treated to pear drops, caramelised banana and sherbet, evolving into malt and spiced oak. The finish is long and carries a hint of smooth toasted oak.
Housed in a handcrafted Lalique crystal decanter, The Macallan M 2022 Release (45% ABV), which comes with an RRP of £5,000, is the result of the distillery’s dedication to craftsmanship and to using the finest, 100% natural ingredients and exceptional Sherry-seasoned oak casks. With a rich amber colour, M embodies The Macallan’s classic sherry seasoned, full-flavoured character, delivering notes of chocolate, rich dried fruit and spice.
The Macallan M Black 2022 Release (46% ABV), available for £5,700 per bottle, showcases The Macallan’s commitment to Mastery and unwavering trust in its craft. Rare, black-ended casks holding peated spirit have been meticulously selected by the Whisky Mastery Team, who have continued to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship to engineer this unique expression.
The hand-made Lalique black crystal decanter reflects the peat smoke within the whisky and the confidence which drives The Macallan, as the whisky makers boldly marry classic Macallan notes with peated whisky to create a complex single malt.
The Macallan M Copper – Where and How?
The Macallan M Collection is available at Harrods, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt. For further information, visit www.themacallan.com.
Photography by Nick Knight.
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