Macallan 30 Year Old Fine Oak Masters of Photography 75cl / Rankin Edition - includes Book

The Masters of Photography series of whiskies by Macallan currently contains four releases. This is the first release presented by John Rankin Waddle or simply Rankin. Macallan commissioned Rankin to produce a limited edition series of photographs to be matched with Macallan 30 year old. The photographs were taken over one summer and range from staff members, to scenery, equipment and in some cases, nude portraits of Rankins muse over barrels, wash backs and stills.

Only 1,000 bottles and photographs were chosen for this edition and the presentation box contains one of the original Rankin Polaroid photograph. Paired with 30 Year Old Macallan Fine Oak which has been matured in a combination of European and American sherry oak, and ex-bourbon casks.

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.

Also included is a copy of Rankin's Photographic Essay of The Macallan Estate.