Wednesday, May 8, 2024

The Macallan Partners With Stella and Mary McCartney to Celebrate Nature and Tradition

Share

Esteemed luxury Scotch whisky brand, The Macallan, has joined forces with celebrated artists, Stella and Mary McCartney, to introduce the third edition of The Harmony Collection.

Building on its Harmony Collection, which celebrates the natural world, The Macallan has announced a collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney — the celebrated creatives known for their ties to both fashion and the environment.

This creative collaboration is a tribute to the sisters’ cherished memories of Scotland and their deep respect for nature. Both sisters embarked on this project, marking their first joint venture, drawing inspiration from the vast Scottish landscapes that captivated their hearts for decades.

Scotland, for the McCartney siblings, also signifies more than just a geographical location; it’s a beacon of nostalgia, warmth, and return. Drawing inspiration from cherished moments spent in their Scottish residence on the West Coast and visits to The Macallan Estate, the siblings wish to transport whisky enthusiasts into the heart of Scotland’s scenic allure.

Central to this partnership is The Macallan Harmony Collection, an annual release series underscoring the brand’s commitment to creativity and innovation. For this special edition, the series unveils two distinct whisky expressions: Amber Meadow and Green Meadow. These evocative names and flavors were birthed from the McCartney sisters’ deep reverence for the Scottish landscape, honoring the generations that have trod its verdant pastures.

The Macallan drink
Photography by Mary McCartney

Beyond the spirits, the partnership gave birth to TOGETHER: A Collection for The Macallan by Stella and Mary McCartney. This limited edition ensemble comprises 11 masterfully crafted lifestyle artifacts. Emphasizing natural influences, colors ranging from verdant greens to deep ambers are interwoven, with the quintessential Macallan red paying homage to the brand’s time-honored craftsmanship.

“This range wouldn’t be what it is if we weren’t able to spend that time with The Macallan,” Mary McCartney said in a statement. “I felt really proud to bring my little sister with me to The Macallan Estate on Speyside, as I knew Stella would fall in love with this just as much as I did.”

Reflecting on their joint ambition, Stella McCartney said she, her sister, and The Macallan wanted to create “a collection that celebrated the highest quality of materials and incredible craftsmanship that would be fitting of the shared values between us all,” she said. “We envisaged pieces that were limited, yet would work together as a family. The idea was to have it live in your home, stand out, and of course be of the highest quality.”

In an intricate process marrying sherry-seasoned oak with bourbon casks, The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team sought to capture the essence of Scotland’s sprawling grasslands. “There is so much to discover with The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow,” said Whisky Maker, Steven Bremner. “It is a single malt redolent of warm meadows and mature barley fields, with a rich, citrus-scented finish.”

Bremner says the 100 percent natural “summer evening color” derived from The Macallan’s exceptional sherry-seasoned oak and bourbon casks “reflects the richness of the flavor which awaits.”

“On the nose fresh citrus fruits and honeysuckle are complemented by hints of vanilla, coconut, and ripe barley fields,” he said. “On tasting, notes of oak, lemon, melon are prominent, accompanied by flavors of classic scone and almond with green tea, before giving way to a rich and sweet long finish.”

Further enhancing the experience, each bottle showcases the beauty of The Macallan Estate through the lens of Mary McCartney’s photography. Simultaneously, the bottle labels and presentation boxes are constructed from discarded meadow trimmings, further intertwining the sisters’ deep affinity for nature.

Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director, The Macallan, says TOGETHER: A Collection for The Macallan by Stella and Mary McCartney is “unlike anything The Macallan has ever introduced, showcasing how we continue to innovate and challenge ourselves.”

In a move to elevate the experience, come December, The Macallan will launch The Harmony Hideaway. This immersive experience promises patrons a unique journey into the heart of Scotland’s vibrant tapestry, punctuated by samplings of the new Harmony expression.

The complete TOGETHER set is now available in the U.K., with a U.S. release in early December. The Amber Meadow will grace select retailers, restaurants, and The Macallan Estate Bar worldwide from October, while the Green Meadow can be procured from The Macallan Airport Boutiques.

Like the McCartney sisters, social and environmental sustainability is at the heart of The Macallan, and as part of its commitment to establishing a positive legacy. In 2018, the legacy spirits brand revealed its new distillery, which is inspired by the surrounding Scottish hills on The Macallan’s 485-acre estate. Its previous Harmony Collection whiskeys focused on crops threatened by climate change, including cacao and coffee.

The news follows Stella McCartney’s recent Paris Fashion Week show where she debuted an eco materials market alongside her collection.

Related on Ethos:

Related

The Ethical Revolution Happening In the Chocolate Aisle: From Dairy-Free to Fair Trade

Unwrap a bar of dairy-free chocolate that's made by sustainable and ethical brands.

Why This Flower Expert Says Ditch the Roses and Go Local Instead

What's in those roses? Chances are they're not local flowers, and they're coming with a big carbon footprint, according to Matilda's Bloombox.

Treat Mom and the Planet With Gifts Under $300

These sustainable fashion gifts hand-selected by the Ethos editors are stunners, and they all clock in under $300.

Behind the ‘Picky Eater’ Label, a Long Love for Healthy, Sustainable Food

There's an urgent shift needed on our planet, and our food system plays a critical role in fixing the climate crisis. It can feel like progress isn't happening fast enough but take it from a longtime "picky eater" —we've come farther than you may think.

Green Burial Options, From Eco-Friendly Mushroom Suits to Human Composting

Have you given much thought to what to do with your body once you leave it? Here's why you may want to look at green burial options, including human composting and eco-friendly mushroom suits, if you cared about the planet while you were still in your body.