Macallan unveils final Masters of Photography whisky

Edrington-owned Scotch whisky The Macallan has collaborated with Steven Klein to create the sixth and final edition in its Masters of Photography series.

Limited to just 1,000 bottles worldwide, the new limited edition whisky is said to be The Macallan master whisky maker Bob Dalgarno’s interpretation of American photographer Steven Klein’s work. The whisky, which has been crafted to convey the concept of ‘time’, is presented in a unique decanter featuring a horse’s head stopper and black case that also holds a range of custom barware tools. Each whisky comes with one of 10 different Steven Klein prints that have been exclusively created for the Masters of Photography series. Klein also produced a short, interactive film (see below) to accompany the release. The liquid itself has been bottled at 53.5% abv and marks the first time The Macallan has used casks that previously held Rioja wine, producing a flavour of “sweet berries and spices” along with a “pinkish colour” reflective of Klein’s imagery. “My intention was to examine a world standing still through a moving camera,” commented Klein. “Typically with consumption of alcohol, there is always an abundance of movement. I thought what if it had all stopped for a moment and I could take a closer look at it. “The idea is the perception of time. I used one of my favourite designers, Thom Brown, for the characters because I believe his clothes are bridged between the past and future in a great way.” The Masters of Photography: Steven Klein edition carries an RRP of US$2,995. Only 100 bottles will be available in the US. Since 2008, The Macallan has partnered with renowned photographers such as Annie Lebowitz and Elliott Erwitt to showcase the 'art of whisky-making' through photography. In 2014, the brand partnered with revered fashion photographer Mario Testino for the fifth edition in the series.