The Macallan has announced the launch of the Romantica Collection, an ultra-exclusive single cask release created to commemorate the centenary of The Macallan 1926 – widely regarded as the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction.
The collection is built around a remarkable 1986 vintage single malt, drawn from sherry seasoned European oak cask #9925, which matured for 40 years on The Macallan Estate before being bottled at 48.6% ABV and presented in its natural colour.
What makes the Romantica Collection truly unique is its connection to the three artists who created the iconic labels for The Macallan 1926: Sir Peter Blake, Valerio Adami, and Michael Dillon. Each artist has returned to create a brand-new work exclusively for this release, resulting in three distinct editions that celebrate both whisky craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
A Whisky of Exceptional Depth
The 40-year-old single malt opens with aromas of apricot conserve, canned peaches, bittersweet toffee, crystallised ginger, cinnamon, antique oak and delicate woodsmoke.
On the palate, notes of brown sugar, glazed peach and tropical lychee evolve into layers of dark cherries, treacle and a subtle touch of peat.
The whisky concludes with a long, elegant finish featuring dried fruits, leather and rich cacao, delivering remarkable depth and complexity.
Three Artists, Three Interpretations
Sir Peter Blake’s contribution, The Music Room, transports viewers to Easter Elchies House in 1986, capturing a gathering celebrating the opening of The Macallan’s Octagon Room.
Valerio Adami’s work, Romantica (1986), depicts Janet “Nettie” Harbinson, custodian of The Macallan at the time the legendary 1926 cask was filled, creating a symbolic bridge between past and future.
Michael Dillon’s piece, The Macallan Estate, showcases the beauty of Speyside and the modern Macallan distillery, subtly integrated into the landscape beneath its distinctive green roof.
A Collector’s Dream
Each bottle features a label personally signed by its respective artist and is presented in a bespoke European oak presentation case adorned with the corresponding artwork.
Inside, collectors will find:
- A numbered certificate signed by Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell
- An exclusive collection booklet
- A limited-edition giclée art print unique to each artist edition
The Macallan Romantica Collection will be available exclusively as a complete set of all three artist editions from 30 July 2026.
Only 258 bottles have been produced worldwide, with just 86 bottles allocated to each artist edition, making this one of The Macallan’s rarest and most collectible releases in recent years.
