Among 167 distilleries that were registered in 1824, the year licensed distilling became legal, only six distilleries remain. These survivors are Glenlivet, Macallan, Fettercairn, Miltonduff, Cardhu, and Balmenach. These Scotch whiskies have earned their time.
This is the first of two reports that will present their celebration campaigns.
The Macallan – Scotch Whiskies Founded by Alexander Reid
It has been two centuries since Alexander Reid founded The Macallan in Speyside and distilled the first batch of whisky. To mark the bicentennial milestone, the company launches its ‘200 Years Young’ campaign. It has a logo and identity that pay homage to the company’s illustrious history.
This past May, the distillery announced the launch of a partnership with Cirque du Soleil, called Spirit. The experience included juggling, aerial silk, contortion, cyr wheel, tight wire, juggling, hoop diving, bagpipes, and flamenco dancing.
In addition, The Macallan Estate has partnered with the Spanish restaurant El Celler de Can Roca. Together they have launched a nine-course tasting menu called TimeSpirit.
The Glenlivet – Rolls Out First Eternal Spirit
To mark its bicentennial, Chivas Brothers’ The Glenlivet released The Eternal Collection, First Edition 55-year-old – its oldest official single malt bottling.
With 55 years of maturation in seasoned Sherry casks, this whiskey exhibits a complex flavor profile with surprising length. Kevin Balmforth, cask master at The Glenlivet, described the taste experience as “amazing.”
“a medley of autumn fruits, sun-drenched Seville oranges and sticky dates enveloped by the spiced warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose, alongside the sweet, warming flavours of homemade blackcurrant jam and vanilla fudge, balanced with zesty citrus notes on the palate.”
In celebration of the brand’s 200th anniversary, the 55-year-old was unveiled in a sculpture by Michael Hansmeyer, which was inspired by the Scottish distillery where The Glenlivet is produced.
Fettercairn – The Rarest ‘Cabinets’
Fettercairn redesigned its domestic and global travel retail ranges for its 200th anniversary. The domestic range includes Fettercairn 12 Year Old, 16 Year Old, and 24 Year Old, while the global travel retail range consists of Fettercairn 14 Year Old, 17 Year Old, and 25 Year Old.
Among the 150 whiskies in the 200th Collection are six of Fettercairn’s rarest whiskies, housed in a stunning cabinet with only 10 copies made. The 200th Collection marks Fettercairn’s two centuries of innovation.
Located in the foothills of the Cairngorms National Park, Fettercairn’s unique cabinets were created by master craftsman John Galvin. The architect was inspired by how light shines through a tree canopy at Fettercairn.
According to a report published in the Whisky Critic, the cabinets are home to a collection of Fettercairn‘s rarest Scotch whiskies.
The cabinet, made from Scottish oak, copper and brass, houses the distillery’s oldest expression at 60 years old, as well as its youngest at just three years old. it includes a 49-year-old single malt from 1973; a 35-year-old from 1988; a 28-year-old from 1995; and a 28-year-old from 1998.
