The Macallan released a new single malt whisky into its Fine & Rare Collection with the launch of The Fine & Rare 1989 Edition.

Matured in a single sherry seasoned European oak butt cask for 32 years, The Macallan Fine & Rare 1989 marks the latest addition to the largest assembly of vintage-dated, single malt whiskies in the world. Filled on Dec. 12, 1989, and bottled in January 2022, the single cask whisky is presented at its natural cask strength.

Launched in 2002, The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection comprises 59 individual releases spanning eight decades, from the earliest expression distilled in 1926, a whisky of legendary status, to the 1993, exemplifying the richness of The Macallan’s legacy. 

This single malt was distilled at the time when the first of 24 satellites that would make up the global positioning system was put into orbit, revolutionizing navigation on land and sea. Cold fusion was achieved at Utah University by Stanley Pons and Martin Fleischmann, while “Sue,” the best-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found, was discovered in South Dakota by Sue Hendrickson. It is also the year the iconic ‘Seinfeld’ TV series premiered in the USA.

For the launch of the 1989 Edition, The Macallan has worked with one of the world’s leading fashion photographers, Tim Walker, to capture unique photography telling the story of the new release. The rare whisky takes center stage in evocative images depicting the Solar System to pay tribute to the year the single malt was distilled. 

The Macallan Fine & Rare 1989 features the cask number, year of distillation and year of bottling printed on the label, while the age, strength and volume are all handwritten in keeping with the tradition that began when the collection was born. Each bottle is encased in an FSC certified European oak presentation box which also contains information on how to record a Vintage Macallan Fine & Rare bottle in The Macallan Vintage Bottle Register in Easter Elchies House, the spiritual home of the brand located on The Macallan Estate.

As part of The Macallan’s ongoing sustainability journey, which includes a commitment to responsible sourcing and packaging, production of the distinctive wooden Fine & Rare box has been repatriated to the UK, which will greatly reduce transit carbon emissions. The Fine & Rare 1989 box has been produced in England by Moran’s Wood Components, a family run manufacturing business dedicated to craftsmanship and social and environmental responsibility.

A limited number of bottles will be available in selected bars and restaurants, and premium retailers exclusively in the USA starting in September 2022. For each 750ml decanter, The Macallan Fine & Rare 1989 has an SRP of $18,500 and an SRP of $17,300 for 700ml bottles. 

For further information, visit www.themacallan.com.