Promotion: Bentley Motors has partnered with luxury whisky brand The Macallan to create a limited edition single malt Scotch whisky presented in a precision-engineered glass vessel that "challenges the conventions of traditional whisky".
Called The Macallan Horizon, the single malt whisky is the first product to emerge from the brands' collaboration, a partnership that Bentley defines by a shared commitment to "craftsmanship, creativity and innovation".
Featuring a 180-degree twist detail and a diamond-cut lid informed by Bentley headlights and upholstery, the glass vessel is designed to lie horizontally, recalling the form of a car and "the horizontal plane of the automotive world".
The glass is enveloped in a precision-engineered aluminium ribbon that recalls the foundation and bodywork of a Bentley car.
A sculptural case protects the luxury whisky vessel and features a chestnut-hued, low-carbon leather lining. The case is inlaid with Bentley's Crown Cut Walnut veneer, a specification developed for its vehicles.
The surrounding precision-engineered frame is crafted from recycled copper, some of which was taken from old stills previously used by The Macallan for its single malt whisky production.
Referencing a material that's important to both brands, the oak inlay detail on the closure is made from one of the six casks used in the maturation of the single malt whisky and draws on the design details of the Bentley Drive Dynamic Control rotary dial.
"Our collaboration with Bentley and the knowledge exchange we have undertaken has inspired us to see things very differently," said Jaume Ferràs, creative director of The Macallan.
"In the spirits world, everything is vertical, such as our stills and our bottles. When we looked at the horizontal plane that Bentley's grand tourers occupy, it made us consider if and how we could adapt this format for whisky, which ultimately requires to be poured and enjoyed."
"The beautiful design we have created together for The Macallan Horizon and the unique materials that have been incorporated are testament to the incomparable craftsmanship, innovation and creativity for which The Macallan and Bentley are renowned."
For the whisky itself, The Macallan master whisky maker Kirsteen Campbell selected six individual first-fill sherry-seasoned oak casks from the stocks maturing in the warehouses at The Macallan Estate.
"Each of the six casks we selected to craft the whisky was carefully chosen to contribute particular characteristics and create a unique flavour profile, so that in combination they bring together the leather and oak notes found in the interior of a Bentley with the signature, warming spice of The Macallan," said Campbell.
"The result is a very special whisky which is as refined, complex and bold as its extraordinary design."
Described as beautifully balanced and indulgent, the single malt "captures the essence of a Bentley".
"We've spent years working with The Macallan through our partnership, taking time to craft this incredible first joint product that represents the best of both brands," said Adrian Hallmark, Bentley's chairman and CEO.
"Centred on innovative materials throughout that reflect our focus on the future, the end result – both the whisky and the vessel that contains it – are stunning and represent a new benchmark for design, materials and quality in this space."
Launched to coincide with the 200th anniversary of The Macallan, The Macallan Horizon will be available from The Macallan Estate Boutique and The Macallan’s global network of domestic and travel retail boutiques, as well as in premium off-trade retailers.
For more information visit www.themacallan.com.
Partnership content
This article was written by Dezeen as part of a partnership with Bentley. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.