PR #24: The Macallan "Masters of Photography" - Mario Testino Edition

Not content with simply producing one of the world's best single malts (and the only one regularly referred to as the "Rolls Royce" of malts), the past few years have seen The Macallan team up with some of the world's most prolific photographers for a series called the "Masters of Photography". Annie Leibovitz was the first, with Elliott Erwitt, Albert Watson and Rankin following. Now, the fifth in the series has been unveiled as Mario Testino.

"The fifth edition of Masters of Photography paid homage to The Macallan’s foundation stones, The Six Pillars, of which Mario Testino brought to life through the characterization of six individual personalities, forming a distinctive group that embodied the spirit of the ultimate party. Shot in a former palace near the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the photographs recalled the vibrancy and luxury of the realm of The Macallan, and were instilled with cultural allusions.   

Much like Testino’s approach in casting each persona, the Master Whisky Maker meticulously selected six of over 200,000 casks maturing at The Macallan. Characterized by varying aromas, flavours and an unparalleled depth and complexity, these malts most certainly encapsulated each one of the unprecedented Six Pillars that The Macallan has built its stellar reputation upon, and produced a multi-dimensional flavour experience that can only be attributed to the casks of Spanish and American 100% sherry seasoned oak butt and puncheon each malt matured in.  

 

“Whisky was the choice of drink in my country during the years I was growing up. When I was approached by The Macallan to take part in the Masters of Photography Series I decided to capture the moment when people get together to celebrate, in the atmosphere of a whisky environment – a whisky club!,” comments Mario Testino.

Differing somewhat to the previous releases, the Mario Testino edition includes one full size bottle and 6 miniatures, each a single cask bottling in the high 56%+ ABV range.

Each box is individually numbered and includes an exclusive photo-archival booklet featuring a total of 20 images, with an additional hidden compartment that encloses the aforementioned six miniatures.

The Macallan Masters of Photography: Mario Testino edition will be available in Hong Kong at HK$28000 at premium wine and spirit shops. We hope to bring you some more detail and close-up photos when we attend the launch tonight, and will post up tasting notes shortly!

Cheers,

Martin.