‘The Horizon’- Where The Macallan and Bentley Merge to Form a World First

Unbridled craftmanship is the embodiment of this collaboration between two giants of the UK manufacturing industry.

‘The Horizon’ has been expertly created by The Macallan and Bentley Motors in such harmony as to use six integral materials to both manufacturers as a reflection of the six pillars of The Macallan.

Glass, aluminium, copper, oak, leather and whisky; the six components used to capture the essence of these two masters of innovation and luxury branding. Forged together to create a visionary masterpiece encapsulating a complex, rich and indulgent whisky, released in The Macallan’s 200th anniversary year.

Why Horizon?

Both are known for their pursuit of luxury elegance and cutting-edge designs, and this is the first time a bottle of whisky has ever been specifically made to be displayed in a ‘horizontal’ position to represent the horizontal plane of the automotive world and the forward-looking trajectory of the future of both brands.

The Design of The Horizon vessel

Precision engineering techniques used to Bentley’s exacting standards have fashioned aluminium recovered from the Bentley production process, into a ribbon, which wraps around the innovatively designed bottle formed with a unique 180° twist.

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The frame for the vessel is engineered from recycled copper, including copper from the old stills at The Macallan Distillery, its rich colour, a reflection of the partially concealed liquid embraced within the elegant decanter.

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A classic Bentley finishing of walnut veneer coats the aluminium ribbons, giving a smooth silky elegance to the flowing curves of the bottle, whilst the underneath is coated in Bentley’s traditional soft, low carbon leather, creating a protective cushion between bottle and capsule.? And the beauty of the materials used, is the sustainability awareness – not only in the leather, which is sourced locally in Scotland, but the use of recycled copper, wood, aluminium and glass from both industries.

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“The Horizon vessel is a truly collaborative project pushing Bentley DNA and The Macallan whisky craft. Our challenge was to rethink the approach to a vessel, by exploring the horizontal plane synonymous with automotive design language, and to combine it with upcycled, characterful materials present in the whisky’s formation. The result is something exceptional and unique; a reflection of both brands’ commitments to craftsmanship and luxury values.”

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Chris Cooke – Head of Design Collaborations, Bentley Motors

Other subtle yet innovative nods to each brand are evident; also fashioned from recovered aluminium, the cap covering the bottle’s screw top resembles the rotary Drive dynamics Control knob which selects the driving mode in all modern Bentley cars. Some of the oak from the staves of one of the casks used are now found in the plinth upon which The Horizon rests and the inlay of wood on the closure.

And the whisky?

The merger of both Bentley and The Macallan aren’t limited to just the vessel in which the whisky resides. Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell, visited Bentley and made it her mission to capture the essence of a Bentley motor vehicle and encapsulate it within a single malt. And what she has created is a masterpiece of creativity and expression.

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Selected from stock within the warehouses on The Macallan estate, Kirsteen took six individual casks of maturing whisky in first fill seasoned oak casks and expertly crafted them into a rich, complex and indulgent liquid, bursting with fruit and spices, but intermingled with flavours of wood and leather found in the world of Bentley Motors.

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“Each of the six casks we selected to craft the whisky were carefully chosen to contribute particular characteristics and create a unique flavour profile, so that in combination they bring together the leather and oak notes found in the interior of a Bentley with the signature, warming spice of The Macallan. The result is a very special whisky which is as refined, complex and bold as its extraordinary design.” - Kirsteen Campbell, The Macallan Master Whisky Maker

Whisky makers tasting notes:

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ABV: 46.6%, a nod to both the six casks and The Macallan’s Six Pillars

Colour: Dark mahogany

Nose: Resinous polished oak with plums and dark cherries, alongside aromatic fresh leather and a herbal, leafy note. An abundance of dried fruits follow - sticky dates, raisins and sultanas leading on to sweet cinnamon, nutmeg with a hint of cloves.

Palate/Taste: Wonderfully rich and indulgent. Dark treacle notes with cinder toffee, crystalised ginger and charred pineapple. Sweet vanilla pods and fudge develop, followed by dark chocolate coated Brazil nuts and a warming oak spice.

Finish: Rich oak, long, complex.

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The Horizon is a masterclass in luxury, craftsmanship, visionary leadership and a living example of how a humble cask of whisky can be elevated to something on a different plane. At ￡40,000 for a 70cl bottle, it’s only going to be available to those with deep pockets and with a highly limited-edition release, the number of deep pockets will be few and far between. This will be one to watch.