Whisky makers have partnered with a couturier, chef and designers to dream up immersive experiences and visual identities that speak to connoisseurs and collectors alike. Some highlights include Johnnie Walker with Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing, Singleton with Nicolas Rouzaud, master pâtissier from The Connaught, London, and Macallan with graphic designer David Carson.
Text: Renyi Lim
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Johnnie Walker
Whisky artistry and high fashion join hands for the debut of the luxury Johnnie Walker Vault platform, which kicks off with its inaugural limited-edition release, Couture Expression: a collection of four couture blends tailored around a journey through the seasons. Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker’s creative partnership with French couturier Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of Balmain, has produced a stunning quartet of rare blended Scotch whiskies that each display a distinct, evolving character.
A foundation of exceptional whiskies – Caledonian ‘The Cally’ 77, Cardhu, Benrinnes 88, Clynelish 83, Cragganmore 85, and Port Ellen 78 – forms the backbone of the collection, which progresses from the fresh, playful blends of Spring and Summer to the darker, richer notes of Winter and Autumn. Couture Expression comes housed in Baccarat crystal decanters that reimagine Alexander Walker’s iconic square bottle, with Rousteing’s creative vision shaping the decanters into a progressive silhouette clad in four opulent metallic shades that reflect all four seasons.
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Singleton
As far as indulgent treats go, they can’t get more decadent than The Singleton Gourmand Collection – a lavish trio of 42-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskies that encapsulate the flavours of three delectable desserts. (Only five sets are available in Singapore, with each set – consisting of three 50cl bottles – priced at SGD 13,000.) This collection of ultra-aged whiskies has undergone the longest secondary maturation in The Singleton’s history, consisting of an initial maturation of 12 years, followed by a generous 29-year second maturation.
Inspired by the world of fine pâtisserie and the expertise of Nicolas Rouzaud, the Master Pâtissier of Maison de Haute Pâtisserie at The Connaught in London, the trio stands as an example of meticulous ageing, skilful refinement, and exceptional collectability. Using an innovative cask layering technique, Malt Master Dr. Craig Wilson has managed to capture the taste profiles of fig and chocolate ganache, caramelised crème brûlée, and black cherry gâteau – an exercise of sensorial, textural, and aromatic lavishness.
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Macallan
An exhilarating immersive perspective on single malt appreciation awaits whisky lovers at The Macallan House in Singapore’s Raffles Hotel, which offers a sensorial journey through the heart of the Highlands replete with whisky, design, and storytelling. Refined encounters steeped in heritage and innovation range from the Sensory Journey – an engaging 30-minute walkthrough that familiarises guests with The Macallan’s iconic Six Pillars and the House’s unique design language – to the Macallan Mastery, a two-hour session that dives deeply into the craftsmanship behind whisky making and the art of appreciation. Visitors can enjoy signature expressions in the luxurious, oak-inspired confines of The Macallan Bar while marvelling at The Macallan’s exclusive artistic collaborations with Singaporean designers Nathan Yong and Tiffany Loy. Guests who wish to extend their own story with The Macallan House can take away a meaningful keepsake enhanced by personalisation services such as complimentary gift wrapping or bottle engraving (available every Saturday).
Meanwhile, Macallan has recently unveiled its reimagined Timeless Collection – Sherry Oak, Double Cask, and Colour Collection – presented with a bold new visual identity created by renowned designer David Carson. Interpreted through David’s distinctive graphic design lens, the refreshed branding weaves together symbols from Macallan’s first two centuries with a forward-looking vision. While the look has evolved, the whisky remains unchanged, offering the same signature balance, elegance, and refinement the brand is known for. Drawing inspiration from the unique sweeping silhouette of The Macallan Distillery’s roof, Carson translated this architectural detail into the new bottle design.