The Macallan has unveiled a new collection that intertwines whisky craftsmanship with artistic homage. The premium scotch distiller announced the release of The Tree of Life Collection, featuring two limited-edition expressions that pay tribute to renowned Scottish artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928).
The centerpiece of the collection is The Tree of Life by The Macallan, an exceptionally rare 46-year-old single malt with only 112 decanters available worldwide. The whisky was selected from two sherry-seasoned oak casks dating back to 1979, which have matured for nearly five decades in Speyside.
A Confluence of Art and Whisky
The age statement holds particular significance as it mirrors a pivotal moment in Mackintosh’s life when, at 46, he retreated to the countryside, reconnecting with nature and creating some of his most celebrated works.
“The Macallan and Charles Rennie Mackintosh share a reverence for nature, a guiding force in artistry and craftsmanship and this is showcased within the Tree of Life by The Macallan across both releases,” said Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan. “We have been able to take inspiration from Mackintosh’s idiosyncratic depictions of nature and reflect this in the exemplary art of whisky making, creating two exceptional new whisky releases.”
The Macallan Tree of Life 46 Year Old
The whisky is presented in a bespoke Lalique crystal decanter featuring a crystal rose stopper inspired by Mackintosh’s 1902 stained-glass panel ‘The Spirit of the Rose.’ The bottle is encased in a sculpture that draws from the architectural metalwork characteristic of Mackintosh’s designs.
Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker at The Macallan, describes the 46-year-old expression as offering “tropical fruits charred over smouldering peat embers” balanced with “complex wood spice” and “notes of antique oak” that evoke Mackintosh’s wooden designs.
The Macallan Art is the Flower Expression
Complementing the headline release is Art is the Flower, a more accessible single malt also inspired by Mackintosh’s nature-focused aesthetics. The expression features deep coloration and flavors including “raisin and fig, polished oak, cherry and almonds,” according to Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker at The Macallan.
The name references Mackintosh’s 1902 lecture that began with the phrase “Art is the Flower,” exploring connections between art, nature, and the soul. The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society collaborated on the project, providing historical context and artistic guidance.
“Mackintosh had a unique style that continues to influence artisans and global projects even today,” noted Stuart Robertson, Director of The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society. “The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society was delighted to collaborate with The Macallan on this new collection – a true collaboration of art, whisky and poetry, inspired by The Spirit of the Rose.”
The collection launch is accompanied by documentary-style films featuring artists, architects, and historians discussing Mackintosh’s influence, including fashion designer Christopher Kane, who incorporated Mackintosh motifs in his 2018 Resort Collection.
Availability
The Tree of Life expression will be available exclusively through invitation from The Macallan, with pricing available upon invitation.
The Art is the Flower expression will be available beginning May 6, 2025, through The Macallan ballot.
