The Macallan Double Cask is undoubtedly a derivative of The Macallan’s well-established and renowned signature taste. A core range of the house, it is a prime example of the brand’s dedication to crafting incomparable, high-quality single malts. Savouring The Macallan Double Cask is an unbridled sensorial journey, one that has been further highlighted through the artistic lens of one of the world’s foremost photographers.

The Macallan’s collaboration with American photographer Erik Madigan Heck is more than just a partnership to celebrate its Double Cask range. A unique offering in the world of whiskies, The Macallan Double Cask Collection is beautifully balanced by European and American oak casks, seasoned with sherry in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

By marrying the classic Macallan style and the unmistakable sweetness of oak, the Double Cask stands out for its distinctive warm character. It is a fully rounded, perfectly balanced single malt that is unrivalled in the world of whiskies. However, to further complement the experience of this sensorial whisky, The Macallan has tapped the talents of Heck, who now presents his interpretation of the Double Cask Collection in a series of still life photographs.

With 17th century classic Flemish still life paintings as inspiration, Heck uses a mixture of abstract landscape shots and still photos to bring the flavour notes of each expression to life. In a series of stunning photos, the photographer uses his expert eye for colour, texture and light to miraculously capture the flavour notes of each whisky variant in the Double Cask Collection.

It must be said that Heck’s visual representations of the tasting notes, colour and texture is more than just a homage to the Double Cask. His abstract photographs, all of which were captured at The Macallan Estate, also serve as a celebration of nature and the importance of wood, which are a derivative of The Macallan experience.

Describing himself as a painter who uses photography, Heck’s work is a contemporary extension of romanticism, showcasing and celebrating both nature and beauty, much like The Macallan. Like the renowned whisky brand, the American photographer shares many of the brand’s DNA that is rooted in the values of legacy, artistry, creativity and craftsmanship.

Through this shared creative vision, Heck utilises natural light and in-camera effects along with digital post-production to produce evocative and alluring images that impeccably capture the very essence of The Macallan Double Cask.

Diving deeper into the Double Cask Collection, Heck encapsulates what each expression brings to the proverbial table for whisky aficionados. With The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, the harmonious partnership of sherry seasoned American and European oak casks results in a harmonious single malt with a distinctive warm character featuring vanilla, sweet oak and gentle spice. To showcase these defining flavour notes, he uses a two-tone purple chiffon fabric to note the marriage of these casks along with intricate details of vanilla that are definitive of this Double Cask range.

On the other hand, The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old has been meticulously matured in handcrafted American and European oak casks seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry. A truly exceptional single malt with a sweeter, warmer profile, it displays a golden butterscotch hue that imparts aromas of dried fruit and butterscotch, along with well-balanced notes of chocolate and smooth oak. Its finish is capped off with lingering oak and hints of spice.

In envisioning this particular expression, Heck uses a regal colour palette to highlight the rich opulence of smooth butterscotch and sweet spice. His still life is rendered complete with the apple — a nod to the expression’s distinctive apple note, which is a distinguishing characteristic of The Macallan portfolio.

Rounding up the Double Cask Collection is The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old. Matured for 18 years in American and European sherry-seasoned oak casks, it adds delicate vanilla to the spicy notes of the whisky, resulting in an expression that’s sweeter and warmer in character. For this particular expression, Heck depicts the Double Cask 18 Years Old using plush gold velvet. This not only binds the still life image but also serves as a nod to the whisky’s harmonious balance of flavour and its warm lingering finish.

More than a creative collaboration, the partnership between The Macallan and Heck provides a visual representation of what truly defines the Double Cask Collection. It adds a new dimension to an immaculate whisky, one that is now enhanced through the power of an artistic and visionary lens.

Discover the creative vision of The Macallan Double Cask Collection at www.themacallan.com/en-my/double-cask