The Macallan Folio 8 pays tribute to the Archival Series, celebrating the brand’s iconic advertising campaigns from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s
Launched in 2015, the Macallan Archival Series honours the brand’s journey from its modest beginnings along the River Spey to its recognition as a world-class single malt renowned for its craftsmanship and innovation.
The Macallan Folio 8 pays homage to the famous 1980s billboard campaign called “The Colossus of Nose,” which emphasises the distinct aroma of their whisky. The campaign was a clever play on words, inspired by the historical victory of the Rhodians over Cyprus in 305 BC. “Colossus of Rhodes,” one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
In the context of The Macallan, “The Colossus of Nose” campaign was designed to capture the essence of The Macallan’s single malt whiskies and celebrate their complexity and rich aromas. The impactful imagery and messaging from this campaign have left a lasting impression on the world of whisky advertising. The creative talents behind the current campaign are art director David Holmes and copywriter Nick Salaman, who effectively captured the essence of The Macallan during that vibrant decade.
According to Steven Bremner, whisky maker at The Macallan, this edition draws inspiration from the iconic 1980s billboard, which showcases the incredible aroma of their single malt whisky. The Macallan Folio 8 utilises premium oak casks to craft a whisky that celebrates remarkable flavours and scents, echoing the artistic brilliance of the advertising it represents.
The whisky in Folio 8 features a vintage, natural terracotta colour and has an aromatic profile that includes golden sultanas, ripe dates, sweet berries, toffee, lemon peel, cinnamon, and a hint of anise. On the palate, it reveals flavors of sweet raisins, ginger, lemon zest, toffee, and sweet oak, leading to a long, rich finish infused with sweet oak spices. The colour is inspired by the roof tiles of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, where The Macallan’s cask journey begins, and subtly references the billboard campaign.
To commemorate this moment, a special booklet showcasing vintage ads and digital content is beautifully presented in a book-shaped box. Folio 8 honours The Macallan’s rich heritage and highlights one of its most unforgettable advertising campaigns from those decades.
