Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky. One can’t imagine that Reid would have pictured his iconic whisky still being enjoyed in the futuristic age of self driving cars, but such is the the example of something being truly timeless.
Taking media, fans, and whisky connoisseurs on a private helicopter ride across the sweeping sands of Dubai, they landed at the hidden desert landscape, Bab Al Shams, which revealed the ‘200 Years Young’ logo created by renowned sand artist and Guinness World Record winner, Nathaniel Alapide. This new insignia – an infinity symbol flipped on its side next to a 2, symbolising the curve of the River Spey that weaves its way through the rolling curves of the distillery – illustrates the brand’s timeless legacy while simultaneously celebrating the future and another two hundred years of excellence.
As guests stepped into the mythical like amphitheater that felt fresh off a movie set, they were treated to a welcoming taste of The Macallan’s The M Decanter, soaking the palate in hints of licorice, caramel, fig and blackcurrant. The evening followed with dinner on an outdoor terrace, reminding guests just how magical the desert becomes during the cooler months, an experience supremely amplified by the whisky at hand.
Crafted in handmade oak casks, each of which takes over five years of craftsmanship to create, is a symbol of the artistic dedication reserved for the finest distillery on the planet. Each sip of The Macallan results in an avalanche of flavours that takes you on a journey of inimitable Scottish perfection, and one can only wonder what the next 200 years hold in store.