Scotch distillery, The Macallan has unveiled the latest release in their Concept Series, Concept No 3, a collaboration with graphic designer David Carson.
Designed to fuse the artistry and expertise behind The Macallan’s whisky-making with creativity and culture, the third and final expression in the series looks to the work of 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.
Since establishing his own studio, Carson 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.
Part of a wider collaboration between The Macallan and David Carson (which saw the creation of the festive campaign for the brand last year), the designs for The Macallan Concept No 3 feature some very special touches to celebrate their shared outlook and methodology. 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.
“The Macallan people I’ve dealt with have been so open to exploring new ideas and to different types of creativity,” said Carson. “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 The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly 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.
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.
For more information, go to themacallan.com
