'A Sensorial Journey, one of the images created by acclaimed photographer and artist Erik Madigan Heck, who collaborated with The Macallan to celebrate and bring to life the unique flavour profile of its Double Cask Collection. — Photos: The Macallan
From the legendary Elliot Erwitt to the masterful Steven Klein and the enigmatic Rankin, The Macallan has always had a strong affinity for collaborating with famous photographers.
For its latest collaboration, the luxury Scotch whisky brand sought out acclaimed photographer and artist Erik Madigan Heck, in order to celebrate and bring to life the unique flavour profile of its Double Cask Collection.
A self-described “painter who uses photography”, Heck’s work is a contemporary extension of Romanticism, showcasing and celebrating both nature and beauty, much like The Macallan.
Working with natural light and combining in-camera effects with digital post-production, Heck produces evocative and alluring images that are simultaneously timeless and futuristic.
With this collaboration, Heck uses his unique and signature style to visually express his interpretation of the Double Cask Collection in a series of still life photographs.
The still life photography is inspired by classic, Flemish still life paintings of the 17th century and brings the flavour notes of each expression to life using visual representations of the tasting notes, colour and texture.
Each of his abstract photographs, captured at The Macallan Estate, tells a unique story and celebrates the inherent nature that surrounds us, the importance of wood and The Macallan ultimate sensorial experience.
'The Macallan Estate'
For instance, ‘The Macallan Estate’ is an image captured by the duck pond on the, well, Macallan estate, which encapsulates the complex yet delicate process of creating The Macallan Double Cask by portraying a visual reflection of an ecosystem which is rooted in flavour, aroma and natural colour.
In another image, Heck highlights the importance of wood in the production of The Macallan Double Cask, showcasing the beautiful balance of American oak in blue hues and red pantones to represent the European oak.
'Wood'
The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year OldPerhaps the most dynamic image Heck captured was ‘A Sensorial Journey’ (see above), depicting a brilliant red plume of smoke rising from the barley fields at the Macallan, with a sensual background of blue, thus depicting the complex sensorial journey and his artistic representation of The Macallan’s foundational rich, fruity, full bodied flavour.
The Macallan Double Cask collection itself is an abstract combination of flavours, and Heck has also created some stunning still life images to convey the range’s complexities.
His still life image of the Double Cask 12 Year Old perfectly visualises the harmony of woods, with the two-tone purple chiffon fabric a note to the marriage of sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, the defining feature of the Double Cask range.
The whisky itself is a harmonious single malt with a distinctive warm character featuring vanilla, sweet oak and gentle spice. There are notes of candied lemon citrus and smooth fudge, tempered with subtle hints of vanilla.
The Macallan Double Cask 15 Year OldFor The Macallan Double Cask 15 Year Old, Heck depicts the whisky’s distinctive apple note, a signature characteristic of The Macallan portfolio.
The apple takes centrestage in an image that is reminiscent of the great Flemish still life paintings from the 17th century, with a regal colour palette exuding the rich opulence of smooth butterscotch and sweet spice.
The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old itself is an exceptional single malt with a sweeter, warmer flavour, aromas of dried fruit and butterscotch, balanced with notes of chocolate and smooth oak, and delivers a medium finish with lingering oak and spice.
Last but not least, is the Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old, which Heck depicts using plush gold velvet to bind the image, while nodding to the whisky’s harmonious balance of flavour and long, warm finish.
MAC-2023-SignatureTaste-Crop Digital_4-5_DC 18Golden hues heighten the colour of the whisky and reflect the key flavour notes of treacle toffee, sweet ginger, dried fruits and nutmeg.
The Double Cask 18 Years Old gets a delicate vanilla note from the sherry seasoned American oak and the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.
The Macallan Double Cask Collection is available at selected premium supermarkets, bars, and restaurants. For more information, visit: www.themacallan.com/en-my/double-cask
