Macallan 30 Year Old Fine Oak Masters of Photography 75cl / Rankin Edition - US Import

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills. 

The Masters of Photography series of whiskies by Macallan was launched in 2008 and contains numerous chapters, each showcasing the work of a legendary artist behind the lens. This is the first release, presented by John Rankin Waddle or simply, Rankin.  Macallan commissioned Rankin to produce a limited edition series of photographs to be matched with the Macallan 30 year old. The photographs were taken over one summer and range from staff members, to scenery, equipment and in some cases, nude portraits of Rankin's muse, draped over barrels, wash backs and stills.

Only 1,000 bottles and photographs were chosen for this edition.

The Fine Oak series from Macallan was launched in 2004 and featured "triple matured" expressions, vatted from a combination of sherry seasoned European and American oak, and bourbon casks.

The range was rebranded as the Triple Cask is 2018 in order to bring it into line with the distillery's new core range, where it is currently joined by Sherry Oak Cask and Double Cask age-statements.