TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - The Macallan, one of the world's most prestigious single malt Scotches presents M: a masterpiece born of a collaboration between three masters of their crafts. The Macallan has partnered with renowned creative director Fabien Baron and crystal masters Lalique with a single objective: to create the world's most sophisticated single malt whisky, contained in a beautifully designed and meticulously crafted crystal decanter.
Just 1,750 crystal decanters of M, each engraved with its own individual number, will be released worldwide in 2013, with Canada receiving 100 bottles.
Capturing the expressive aesthetic of Fabien Baron's illustrious creative vision, M's tall, slim dimensions and geometric form challenge the perceptions of traditional decanter design. Its sharp, angular facets gave inspiration to the name M itself, selected by Baron as a typographic representation of the decanter's striking design.
Its six striking facets are Baron's homage to The Macallan's heritage, reflecting the six pillars at the heart of its ethos: The Spiritual Home - the breathtaking 390-acre Macallan Estate where every drop of M is created; the distillery's Curiously Small Stills, whose unique shape gives the spirit its fruity, full-bodied character; The Finest Cut, the 16% of the new make spirit, the smallest figure in the industry, selected for maturation; Exceptional Oak Casks, acquired and cared for without thought to the cost, infusing every drop with distinctive aroma and flavour; Natural Colour created solely through the interaction between spirit and wood; and The Peerless Spirit, marking The Macallan's unsurpassed place in the hearts of the world's most discerning consumers.
Lalique has drawn on 150 years of mastery and its long standing relationship with The Macallan brand, to bring refinement and flawless clarity to M. Fashioned in highest grade crystal, each handcrafted decanter unites proven tradition with striking originality; exuding beauty, integrity and expression at every glance.
Interwoven with rich dried fruits, spices, orange citrus and wood notes, M's whisky is the creation of its third master, The Macallan, drawing on its classic full flavoured tradition. With a rich natural colour, complexity and sumptuous intensity never before seen in a single malt, every drop is laden with character absorbed from the Spanish sherry oak casks that nurture it through its maturation process. M's spirit brims with individuality, it is the ultimate reward for the most discerning of whisky connoisseurs.
"The coming together of three such masters has resulted in a truly beautiful creation, which specifically showcases the vital influence of The Macallan's exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks and the craft of the Whisky Maker. The natural colour of M is stunning. A single malt of the most exquisite complexity and character, M will set a new standard in the world of decanters to become the iconic representation of The Macallan," says David Cox, Director of Fine and Rare whiskies at The Macallan.
"We have been delighted to have worked with our friends and long-time partners, The Macallan - with whom we have collaborated since 2004 - to realise this exquisite piece. The decanter styling is utterly unique in the world of decanters, and our masters of crystal have relished applying their most complex skills to this project to bring it to life," says Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique.
"I love the craftsmanship and purity of The Macallan. It's rare to find that level of quality today," says Fabien Baron, Founder and Creative Director of Baron & Baron.
M is available in Canada in November 2013 with a recommended retail price of $5,000 CDN (availability and pricing varies by region).
ABOUT THE MACALLAN
Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world's leading single malt whiskies. The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly "The Last Word" in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan.
ABOUT FABIEN BARON
As the founder and creative director of Baron & Baron, Fabien Baron has crafted identities for the fashion, cosmetic and fragrance world's most visible and influential brands. The creative director's singular vision is evident in a broad range of award-winning advertising campaigns, package designs, logos and graphics. Baron has also applied his talents to the design of prominent magazines and books, including the role of Creative Director for Vogue Italia and Vogue Paris, and is renowned for his photography, as well as for directing ground breaking television commercials, music videos and online video content. Fabien Baron is currently the Editorial Director of Interview Magazine.
ABOUT LALIQUE
The Lalique story began with René Lalique (1860-1945), renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery who then became the Master in the art of glassmaking of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, with highly eclectic creations. René Lalique earned his title, "Sculpteur de Lumière", from the richly sculptural craftsmanship and dramatic contrasts between clear and frosted finishes that define his work. Today, Lalique is internationally recognised as the undisputed Master of crystal, and offers crystal collections across five categories: decorative items, interior design, jewellery, art and fragrances. The vision of Lalique is to celebrate the creative genius of founder René Lalique by pushing the limits of the factory by creating distinctive decorative objects, issuing superb perfume bottles in crystal, reviving breathtaking jewellery designs, carrying out major architectural projects, working with renowned artists to produce limited edition works of art in crystal; and recreate its cultural heritage, something eternally precious. Lalique continues to thrive as a global lifestyle luxury brand, standing for craftsmanship, excellence and creativity.
Image with caption: "The Macallan M decanter. The Macallan M is a partnership between three masters: The Macallan, renowned creative director Fabien Baron and crystal masters Lalique. (CNW Group/BEAM Global Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131119_C8522_PHOTO_EN_33471.jpg
Image with caption: "The Macallan M decanter and its packaging. The Macallan M is a partnership between three masters: The Macallan, renowned creative director Fabien Baron and crystal masters Lalique. (CNW Group/BEAM Global Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131119_C8522_PHOTO_EN_33460.jpg
SOURCE: BEAM Global Canada Inc.
Michelle Saba / Matt Juniper
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