3 minute read

If you’ve ever sipped a glass of The Macallan, you know it’s more than just whisky—it’s an experience rooted in history, craftsmanship, and legacy. That’s what makes their latest evolution so exciting. The Macallan has partnered with iconic graphic designer David Carson to reimagine the visual identity of three of their beloved Timeless Collections: Double Cask, Sherry Oak, and the Colour Collection.

The Collaboration with David Carson

The Macallan Timeless Collection bottle redesign by David Carson

Carson is no stranger to The Macallan. He previously led the design for the Colour Collection’s travel-exclusive launch in 2023. That project laid the groundwork for what’s now a full-scale visual refresh across some of The Macallan’s most iconic whiskies. According to Carson, “Like whisky, design is all about balance,” and that’s exactly what this collaboration achieves—a new look that celebrates The Macallan’s past while projecting its future.

Design Details That Tell a Story

The new bottle designs don’t just look good—they’re packed with meaning.

  • Bottle Shape Inspired by the Distillery: The unique shape and green roofline of The Macallan Distillery inspired the updated bottle form, linking the packaging back to the land where it all begins.
  • Triangular Shoulder Label: A nod to Spain’s Sherry Triangle, this feature connects the visual identity to the region that seasons the oak casks used in every expression.
  • Informative Rear Labels: New symbols bring the tasting notes and cask profiles to life, helping drinkers better understand the influence of American and European oak.
  • Enhanced Traceability: Anti-counterfeit QR codes not only protect your purchase but offer a deep dive into the story behind every bottle.

Craftsmanship That Remains Untouched

What’s crucial to note is that while the look has changed, the whisky has not. The Macallan’s signature flavor, depth, and quality remain just as refined and balanced as ever.

Here’s what defines each collection:

  • Double Cask Collection
    This range showcases The Macallan’s mastery of blending European and American oak casks seasoned with sherry. The result? A creamy, smooth whisky layered with fresh fruit, toffee, soft spices, and baked sweetness. It’s a journey through centuries of tradition—literally, as the cask-making process spans more than 100 years across continents.
  • Sherry Oak Collection
    The Macallan’s Sherry Oak expressions are bold, rich, and layered. Matured exclusively in European oak casks seasoned with sherry, each bottle delivers a complex profile of dried fruits, ginger, and deep wood spice. These whiskies are intense, aged to perfection, and dripping with heritage.
  • Colour Collection
    Vibrant and expressive, this line stands out for its golden hues and youthful energy. Aged in American oak seasoned with sherry, it begins with citrus and vanilla, then matures into lush tropical fruit flavors. It’s a lighter, fresher take, but still unmistakably Macallan.

Looking Ahead

The new expressions will roll out gradually across the US starting June 2025. For those of us who love The Macallan, this marks an exciting new chapter—one that blends legacy with innovation in all the right ways.

If you’re as curious as I am to explore the new look, head over to The Macallan’s website for a closer look. Better yet, pick up a bottle and scan the QR code to dive deeper into the story behind the dram in your hand.