The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release is an impressive collection of whisky that’s licensed to thrill
James Bond’s martini is replaced by something far better—whisky. But not just any old whisky. It’s The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release, a collection of six limited-edition bottles inspired by the Bond Legacy.
After its first celluloid appearance in Dr No in 1962, the box office hit went on to build an impressive film franchise. With the release of new instalments throughout the years, James Bond had to adapt to the ever-changing social landscape while staying consistent with his character. The same goes for The Macallan—in 200 years of whisky distillation, the Speyside single malt whisky faced challenges, evolved and remained stubbornly constant.
Aside from the shared Scottish heritage, that isn’t the only bridge The Macallan has with Bond. They have shared the same screen that includes Bond drinking from The Macallan Fine & Rare 1962 in the movie, Skyfall.
With a unique bottle design that represents a different decade of Bond, fans of the franchise are privy to an exclusive behind-the-scenes exploration of the James Bond archives. Decade I highlights the debut of the debonair spy with a pack design that includes sketches from Goldfinger (1946), You Only Live Twice (1967) and the working prototype of the jet pack worn by Bond in Thunderball (1965). Decade II centres itself around the ascent of Roger Moore’s Bond that includes drawings and storyboards from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979). Decade III sees the arrival of Timothy Dalton’s portrayal as a more sombre Bond and Decade IV focuses on Pierce Brosnan’s Bond like the pre-title sequence storyboard from GoldenEye (1995). Daniel Craig’s Bond signals a sea change for the character; with Decade V presenting an updated stylishness and compelling character like the dramatic car sequence from Casino Royale (2006) and the rooftop chase in Quantum of Solace (2008).
Bringing it full circle is the Decade VI Release, which includes Bond’s childhood home in Skyfall (2012) and the aforementioned script section, where The Macallan is featured.
The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell, created a whisky that is like Bond himself, one that is a harmony of character and strength. Despite the different appearances of all six packs, the encased whisky remains the same. On the nose, one can pick out citrusy notes of lemon and lime, which leads to sweet vanilla and coconut, with a hint of dried fig and raisin. A gentle savour on the palate and you’ll discover orange zest and fizzy sherbet. A subtle oak and the soft presence of ginger spice spreads languidly into a deep dark chocolaty, fig and baked apple tart profile before that inevitable long and layered finish. Exuding a sense of style and maturity that has evolved over the years, the expression has a natural Suisse gold hue and an ABV of 43.7 per cent— a nod to Bond’s agent number: 007.
The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release can be yours for a recommended retail selling price of S$1,388. Register your interest at The Macallan Boutique at Raffles Hotel Singapore
