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Macallan debuts final whisky in travel-inspired range

The Macallan has unveiled the fifth and final release in its travel retail-exclusive Golden Age of Travel range – a 35-year-old single malt priced at US$50,000.

The Golden Age of Travel: The Air Ship is limited to 48 decanters in global travel retail

The Golden Age of Travel series launched in 2015 as part of a partnership between Edrington-owned The Macallan and French glassware maker Lalique.

Each limited edition crystal decanter was inspired by a mode of transport from the 1930s, including a cruise liner, aeroplane, steam train and a motorcar.

The fifth and final release in the range is The Golden Age of Travel: The Air Ship, which was distilled in 1940 and first bottled in 1975. It was then re-bottled in 2019.

Polly Logan, whisky maker at The Macallan, said: “The Macallan 1940 is an exceptional liquid that is testament to the golden age of travel, and the period of glamour and style it represents.

“The first reveal of the character of the whisky comes through the antique oak colour, and on the nose an atmospheric smoked oak with a richness of orange oil and dried fruits, exquisitely balanced with a beautifully light floral note of spring blossoms.

“Beyond this initial delight, smoked oak features on the palate with elements of opulent dark chocolate and orange, with just a hint of sweet ginger.

“The finish is long and lingering, like the memories of the passengers that travelled during this era, reliving the experience in all its glory.”

There are 48 decanters available exclusively in global travel retail and The Macallan Boutiques, with two additional decanters reserved for The Macallan and Lalique archives.

The crystal decanter is shaped like a travelling flask and features a drawing of the first civil air transportation machine. The stopper features the ‘Wind Rose’, which was included on maps in the 1930s.

Like the rest of the range, the bottle is presented in a leather box that resembles a classic 1930s travel trunk.

Lalique’s chairman and CEO, Silvio Denz, added: “The glamorous golden age of travel is one which is synonymous with Lalique and its founding father, René Lalique, who created some of his finest works that now define the era including glass lighting decoration for the Normandie ocean liner’s dining room and the beautiful glass panels in the ‘wagon présidentiel’ on the Orient Express train in the 1930s.

“We are honoured to have worked with The Macallan on this series, creating unique work of the finest quality and technical complexity. The last in the series, this is a true tribute and an invitation to a golden age of travel.”

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