The Macallan has unveiled Concept No 3, a collaboration with graphic designer David Carson. It is the latest release in The Macallan Concept Series, which fuses the artistry and expertise behind The Macallan’s whisky-making with creativity and culture.
For the third and final expression in the series, The Macallan turned to acclaimed American graphic designer and professional surfer David Carson. Born in Texas in 1954, David began his creative career as a magazine designer. In the 1990s he became art director of Ray Gun, where his experimental page layouts featuring pioneering use of typography revolutionised the field of graphic design.
His work has been displayed in dedicated shows across the world and he is a recipient of the AIGA. Since establishing his own studio, he has created campaigns for some of the world’s leading consumer brands including Nike, Levi, Pepsi, and Ray Ban and he was among only two graphic designers selected by Apple as part of its iconic ‘30 most innovative users’ list.
The Macallan Concept No 3 is the latest project in a wider collaboration between The Macallan and David Carson, who produced a festive campaign for the brand last year.
To bring his unique perspective to the design of Concept No 3, David visited The Macallan’s 485-acre Estate in Speyside where he spent time with The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan.
As a result, his unique, handmade collage designs for Concept No. 3 feature some very special touches to celebrate their shared outlook and methodology – including the incorporation of the letter P for Polly. Many of the colours used are also those found at The Macallan Estate on Scotland’s Speyside, with blue representing the River Spey and red reflecting The Macallan’s sherry-seasoned oak casks.
Polly drew influence from David’s character and career when crafting Concept No 3, to create an unusually fresh whisky, with a distinctive warm, golden hue that pays tribute to the graphic designer’s years on the USA’s West Coast.
The ABV was developed specifically to be 40.8%, after the pair realised that eight is their favorite number.
“In some of The Macallan work, I very noticeably got into what I call ‘my zone’, where I was just clicking,” said Carson. “It was all coming together so I’m not aware of time, or even where I am.
“The Macallan people I’ve dealt with have been so open to exploring new ideas and to different types of creativity. Their obvious love for nature and where they work, the hand-doneness and the wooden casks – you have so much of that with The Macallan collaboration and I am very proud of it.”
“It’s been an absolute joy to work with David Carson on the creation of Concept No. 3,” said Logan. “I was deeply inspired by his vibrancy, and drew on this to create a bright, fresh whisky. Its pale yellow colour, which we’ve named Californian Gold, reflects David’s sun-soaked days as a surfer and it also reveals the citrus notes which shine through.
“Whisky and art fans alike will appreciate the fine balance achieved in this wonderfully uplifting expression, combining fruity notes of pear with warming cinnamon spice and a creamy, vanilla sweetness.”
Concept No. 3 has been carefully crafted to deliver complexity from predominantly first fill sherry seasoned American oak casks that deliver a sweetness and spice, enhanced by a selection of European oak casks to add depth and richness. Balance and freshness are achieved by specially selected refill and virgin oak casks.
On the nose, it offers aromas of sweet fresh pear and apricot, gentle oak spice, with warm cinnamon and ginger, followed by vanilla and sweet citrus. The palate delivers fresh apple and pear combined with oak spice and delicate herbal notes, leading to a rich creamy vanilla sweetness. The finish offers a medium sweetness with smooth, buttery pastry notes.
Encased in a presentation box featuring David Carson’s designs for Concept No 3, each bottle also features labelling designed by David along with a vibrant chevron symbol bearing his signature.
The Macallan’s collaboration with David Carson marks the end of the Concept Series. Concept No. 1, released in 2017, was inspired by the discipline of surreal art. Concept No. 2 brought together music and whisky, combining the twin passions of The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner, who is also a DJ.
A global travel retail exclusive, Concept No. 3 will be available from July 2021 at The Macallan Boutiques in selected international airports and China Hainan Island duty free shops, before being introduced more widely to global travel retail hubs from August 2021.
It is priced at $150 USD (£115 / €135).
For more information, head over to The Macallan’s official website.
In February, The Macallan unveiled The Anecdotes of Ages Collection, a limited-release Scotch and art collection with renowned British pop artist Sir Peter Blake. The Anecdotes of Ages Collection celebrates the legacy and history of Sir Peter Blake and the iconic Speyside distillery.
