The Macallan Valerio Adami: Romantica Single Malt Scotch Whisky 40 Year Old · 1986 Vintage

In 1986, The Macallan 1926 reached the apogee of maturity with a complex and alluring character, slowly aged into perfection over six long decades in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. This would become the world's most valuable wine or spirit sold at auction.

As maturation of The Macallan 1926 came to an end in 1986, another journey was just beginning. Single sherry seasoned European oak cask no. 9925 was filled and laid down to mature in a cool and quiet corner of The Macallan Estate, to be unveiled in 2026, one hundred years after The Macallan 1926 was first distilled.

The composition of the lady, moon and stars was taken from a sketch by Adami from 1986, the same year The Macallan new make spirit was filled into cask no. 9925. The lady represents Janet Harbinson, custodian of The Macallan when The Macallan 1926 was distilled.

Janet proudly stands in a Scottish landscape with her back to an interpretation of Adami's 1926 bottle. Using the 1926 bottle as a mirror to reflect the past, Janet connects moments in time by turning forward to face a future made possible by her stewardship long ago.

Janet's bold red dress reminds us of a colour commonly found in Adami's work. The colour red is also significant throughout the history of The Macallan. Today, it underpins the importance of sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and an unrivalled commitment to creativity and craftsmanship.