Edrington-owned The Macallan has released the latest instalment in its Archival Series, which will be available in the US for the first time.
The series, which first launched in 2015, pays tribute to the Scotch whisky’s famed advertising campaigns from the 1980s and 1990s, which were developed to ‘bring its essence to life’ by the brand’s art director David Holmes and copywriter Nick Salaman.
The last Folio release – the seventh bottling in the series – came in August 2023.
Folio 8 highlights the brand’s ‘The Colossus of Nose’ billboard from the 1980s that played up the whisky’s ‘towering aromas’ and was a spin on The Colossus of Rhodes – the giant bronze statue of the Greek sun god Helios that was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Steven Bremner, whisky maker at The Macallan, said: “The inspiration for this eighth edition of The Macallan Folio Archival Series is the eminent billboard advert from the 1980s; ‘The Colossus of Nose’ which playfully alludes to the magnificent aroma emitted by our single malt.
“Drawing from The Macallan’s inventory of exceptional European Sherry-seasoned oak casks to deliver a whisky celebrating outstanding flavours and aromas, reflective of the stature and prominence of the artwork it reflects.”
Crafted from first-fill and refill European oak Sherry casks, Folio 8’s nose offers the likes of golden sultanas, ripe dates, sweet berry compote and toffee brittle, while its palate brings sweet raisins, sultanas, ginger, lemon and orange zest. The finish is long and rich with sweet oak species.
The brand likened the whisky’s terracotta colouring to the roof tiles found in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, which is where The Macallan’s cask journey begins, and also said it is a subtle reference to the sculpture of the nose in the billboard campaign.
Like all Folio releases, the eighth edition comes with a booklet commemorating the vintage advert, and is presented in a book-shaped box.
Bottled at 43% ABV, Folio 8 will be available at The Macallan Estate Boutique and selected The Macallan Airport Boutiques, with registration for the exclusive ballot opening this month (February), priced at US$400.
Additionally this marks the first time a Folio release, described as a ‘true collector’s item’, has been made available in the US. Around 450 bottles are available in the market and interested consumers can contact client services at [email protected].
The Macallan celebrated its 200th anniversary last year, which saw it release its oldest whisky at 84-years-old.
The Spirits Business also made the journey up to Speyside to visit The Macallan Distillery, and get a first-hand look at how the brand was marking the occasion.
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Author: Rupert Hohwieler
