Bottler ages Macallan in mizunara
The East Asia Whisky Company has released a trio of limited edition single malts from The Macallan that have been finished in mizunara oak.
The Macallan Mizunara 33 Year Old 1990 Komorebi Edition is the third in a previously released collection, following 1989 The Macallan Mizunara No 2, released in 2022, and 1988 The Macallan Mizunara Edition No 1, released in 2019. The expression is inspired by the Japanese term ‘komorebi’, which means ‘sunlight filtering through trees’. The whisky was distilled in 1990 and aged for 31 years in an ex-Bourbon cask, after which it was finished in a Japanese mizunara oak cask. The three expressions are encased in handcrafted decanters from Glencairn Crystal. Only 100 bottles are available, with each decanter featuring an engraved silver oak blossom branch design and Japanese kanji spelling out the name of the expression. Christian Leusder, director of the East Asia Whisky Company, said: “The whisky spent years perfecting in these very rare casks. With such precious spirits, it is vital that they are housed in decanters worthy of them. This is why our collaboration with Glencairn Crystal is so important – we have the same core values in terms of the simplicity of design, attention to detail, and the pursuit of perfection.” The expression is available from Bonhams Finest Whisky & Spirits until 3 October, after which it will launch in selected retailers from mid-October. Price is available on application. The Macallan 33 Year Old Origins The other two releases are both 33 years old and began their journey in the same Sherry cask, before half was finished in a curated Hokkaido mizunara cask for nearly two years. The project is intended to be a ‘study in oak’ that allows drinkers to experience both the original liquid and its mizunara-aged ‘twin’. Both expressions are encased in a Glencairn Crystal decanter that features gold engravings reflecting their Scottish origins and Asian influences. The Sherry cask expression features a crescent and arrow engraving, a design that East Asia Whisky Company says has been part of Scottish heritage since the ninth century. The mizunara, meanwhile, features a broken Japanese fan with cherry blossoms growing from it, symbolising the whisky’s transformation. The two whiskies will be available as a set in a leather-bound box created by Bill Amberg Studio from Bonhams in late October. Scott Davidson, Glencairn Crystal’s new product development director, said: “It has been a privilege to be a part of the journey of these incredible whiskies. “The design and creation of these striking decanters has challenged our design team and craftspeople to push beyond their creative limits and the end products are beautiful pieces of art – something to be very proud of.” Last month, The Macallan released the world’s oldest single malt, topping its previous record by three years.
