The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Collection: tradition and artistry in a new image
The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years is one of the most acclaimed Single Malt Scotch whiskies from Speyside, matured in European oak casks seasoned with sherry. This collection is distinguished by its depth and complexity, with notes of dried fruits, spices, and a prominent oak influence. In this new chapter, The Macallan has chosen to renew the image of this edition in collaboration with David Carson, one of the most influential figures in contemporary graphic art.
Inspiration from the River Spey
The River Spey, the heart of the Speyside region and a vital source for the distillery, has been the starting point for this visual reinterpretation. The Macallan safeguards 1.5 miles of its waters and maintains an active commitment to conserving its ecosystem. Along its banks live more than 400 species of trees and a wide variety of fauna, including protected European species such as the red squirrel, the badger, and the otter. This respect for nature and the land from which each drop of whisky is born is also reflected in Carson’s work.
The design created for Sherry Oak 12 Years presents three shapes evoking the River Spey in different dimensions. The deep red background connects with the collection’s signature colour palette, while hand-drawn lines represent hills, currents, and the silhouette of the distillery. A subtle green accent, almost hidden, recalls the rich landscapes surrounding Easter Elchies House, the spiritual home of The Macallan.
David Carson’s art in the new identity
Carson, renowned for his free and rule-breaking style, collaborated with The Macallan in this campaign, providing a unique visual language. His technique blends hand-drawn strokes with abstract symbols that convey motion and vitality, moving away from the rigidity of digital patterns. The result is an image that reinforces the bond between the whisky, the land it comes from, and the artistic legacy the brand seeks to preserve.
This collaboration goes beyond aesthetics. It is a statement of intent: The Macallan looks to the future while remaining true to its roots, with a vision where tradition and modernity coexist. Carson’s work translates the whisky’s soul into a visual language that resonates with brand lovers around the world.
A Single Malt matured in European oak casks
The Sherry Oak Collection is crafted from European oak casks seasoned with sherry in the bodegas of Jerez de la Frontera. This maturation process imparts natural colour, deep aromas, and a spicy character that define The Macallan’s style. In the case of the 12 Years, notes of dried fruits and ginger intertwine with balanced oak spices, resulting in a classic profile highly valued by Scotch whisky collectors.
The European oak, carefully selected and prepared over years, becomes the backbone of this expression. The extended maturation adds natural mahogany tones and a rounded flavour that intensifies across the collection. Each bottle is a testament to mastery in cask selection and to the excellence that defines the distillery.
The legacy of The Macallan and its bond with nature
Founded in 1824, The Macallan has established itself as one of the most prestigious distilleries in the world. Its respect for the environment and its obsession with quality have turned each expression into a benchmark. The Sherry Oak 12 Years is not just a whisky, but an essential part of that history, now enhanced with a new visual identity that highlights the importance of the land, the river, and the surrounding community.
At Licorea we emphasise that this edition holds a special place within our selection of Single Malt Scotch whiskies. This The Macallan 12 Years from the Sherry Oak Collection, with its renewed image, brings added value to lovers of the brand and to those seeking to discover the authenticity of Speyside in a bottle.
Perfect moments and pairings
The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years is perfect for moments of calm and mindful enjoyment. It pairs wonderfully with long after-dinner conversations, intimate gatherings, or special celebrations. Its profile goes well with nuts, matured cheeses, or even high-cocoa dark chocolate, enhancing the cocoa notes and oak spices. It is also an excellent choice for those wishing to explore the versatility of Scotch whisky in comparative tastings.
A renewed icon in the Sherry Oak Collection
The new look of The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years is much more than a redesign. It is the expression of an alliance between art, nature, and tradition. Every line by Carson and every European oak cask contribute to a shared narrative: that of a distillery keeping its legacy alive while embracing new forms of expression.
At Licorea, we believe this Single Malt will continue to be one of the most appreciated by our customers. Its balance, its sherry-driven identity, and its new presentation make it an essential whisky for collectors, enthusiasts, and those seeking something unique within Scotch whiskies.
