The Macallan has unveiled The Tree of Life Collection, two limited-edition single malts produced in homage to Scottish artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
The two expressions – The Tree of Life by The Macallan and Art is the Flower – draw inspiration from Mackintosh’s iconic 1902 stained-glass panel, ‘The Spirit of the Rose’.
The rarer of the two releases, The Tree of Life by The Macallan is a 46-year-old single malt crafted from two sherry seasoned oak casks laid down in 1979. The whisky’s complex profile not only reflects its maturity but also resembles a key moment in Mackintosh’s life. At 46 years old he moved to the countryside to take a break from architecture and reconnect with nature, and produced some of his finest art.
The whisky comes in a Lalique crystal decanter finished with a crystal rose stopper inspired by ‘The Spirit of the Rose’. An intricate sculpture envelops the decanter, inspired by the metalwork Mackintosh designed to adorn his architecture.
Only 112 decanters are available globally. These may be purchased through invitation from The Macallan, with price available upon application.
Complementing The Tree of Life is The Macallan Art is the Flower, a single malt inspired by Mackintosh’s depictions of nature in architecture and art, namely his interior design piece, ‘The Spirit of the Rose’ stained glass panel.
The whisky evokes Mackintosh’s time in Europe and presents a deep-coloured expression with naturally developed flavours, derived from sherry seasoned European oak casks. These include notes of raisin and fig, polished oak, cherry and almonds.
The name, ‘Art is the Flower,’ comes from a 1902 lecture by Mackintosh, which began with those very words and showcased the parallels between art, nature and the soul.
The Macallan Art is the Flower will be available from 6 May 2025 from The Macallan, subject to availability and location, as well as luxury retailers such as Harrods and select whisky specialists including The Whisky Shop and Berry Brothers & Rudd.
