Cover Erik Madigan Heck at work at The Macallan Estate (Photo: Courtesy of The Macallan)
Erik Madigan Heck at work at The Macallan Estate (Photo: Courtesy of The Macallan)
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The Macallan collaborates with the renowned photographer to capture the whisky's unique flavour notes in pictures
The Macallan collaborates with acclaimed American visual artist Erik Madigan Heck to celebrate the superlative qualities of The Macallan Double Cask range. Beautifully balanced, The Macallan Double Cask is a complex and dynamic sensorial journey with the use of European and American oak casks and sherry seasoned in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
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In this unique collaboration, Heck presents his visual interpretation of the Double Cask Collection in a series of still life images, taking inspiration from Flemish paintings of the 17th century. They depict the tasting notes, colour, and texture of this sublime drink.
Above Erik Madigan Heck at The Macallan Estate (Photo: Courtesy of The Macallan)
Erik Madigan Heck at The Macallan Estate (Photo: Courtesy of The Macallan)
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Double Cask is one of the core ranges in The Macallan portfolio that defines the brand’s unparalleled taste, quality, and commitment to crafting incomparable single malts. To showcase the the essence of Double Cask, Heck utilises his keen eye for colour, texture, and light to capture sunning photographs against the scenic backdrop of The Macallan Estate in Aberlour, UK.
Heck describes himself as a painter who uses photography to express himself. His work recalls Romanticism that highlights nature and beauty, which is in line with The Macallan’s core values. Each photograph in this collaboration conveys the importance of wood and sensorial experience that comes with The Macallan while celebrating nature. Combining in-camera effects and digital post-production, the evocative images embody both timeless and futuristic qualities.
‘The Macallan Estate.’ photographed by Erik Madigan Heck
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The Macallan Estate was photographed by the Estate's duck pond and is a visual representation of an ecosystem rooted in flavour, aroma, and natural colour. For Wood., Heck plays around with the balance between European and American oak with red and blue hues respectively.
A Sensorial Journey. captures the whisky's complexity via the Macallan barley fields, which represent the foundational rich, fruity, and full-bodied flavour profile of Double Cask.
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Above The Macallan Double Cask 12 years old, photographed by Erik Madigan Heck
Above The Macallan Double Cask 15 years old, photographed by Erik Madigan Heck
The Macallan Double Cask 12 years old, photographed by Erik Madigan Heck
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Heck was also tasked to photograph the bottles. For this, he depicts the elements of each whisky's flavour profile through symbolism. The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old is a harmonious single malt that has a warm character with the flavours of vanilla, sweet oak, and gentle spice, and notes of candied lemon citrus and smooth fudge. Hints of vanilla can be seen in the photograph, along with other flavour profiles. The two-tone purple chiffon fabric represents the combination of sherry seasoned American and European oak casks.
The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is matured for 15 years in specially selected and handcrafted casks that are seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry that contribute to its sweeter and warmer tones. The photograph expresses the aromas of dried fruit and butterscotch with notes of chocolate and smooth oak through its golden hues. The regal colour palette speaks to the rich opulence of the whisky with other essences taking centre stage in the image, which is reminiscent of Flemish still life paintings.
Above The Macallan Double Cask 18 years old, photographed by Erik Madigan Heck
Above The Macallan Double Cask collection
The Macallan Double Cask 18 years old, photographed by Erik Madigan Heck
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Lastly, The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old offers a subtle touch of vanilla and spice from the American and European oak casks respectively. Heck uses plush gold velvet as the body of the image, which is also a nod to the whisky's balance of flavours and its distinct long, warm finish. The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old is the pinnacle of extraordinary craftsmanship with its key flavour notes of treacle, toffee, sweet ginger, dried fruits and nutmeg.
Discover more about this collaboration and collection on The Macallan's website.
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Credits
Photography: Erik Madigan Heck
Images: The Macallan
Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
