Acorn-To-Glass: Decoding The Macallan’s Timeless Collections With Its Whisky Maker

In 1824, Speyside, a young Scottish barley farmer and schoolteacher named Alexander Reid, envisioned something greater than the quiet rhythms of rural life. For generations, farmers in the region had been distilling whisky from surplus barley during the winter season. But Reid sought permanence over mere occupation. He went on to establish The Macallan, one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed, further laying the foundation for the world’s leading single malt whiskies. Today, the brand has mastered the craft of whisky making. It starts from choosing the best of oak casks, which impart depth, character, and the brand’s signature natural colour.

Recently, bringing its flavours to India, Euan Kennedy, Lead Whisky Maker at The Macallan, presented The Timeless Collections at The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The showcase featured three of the house’s classic ranges, thoughtfully reinterpreted to reflect how timelessness is perceived today, with a new visual language in packaging. In conversation with Kennedy, we explore the philosophy behind the collection, the importance of oak casks, and the creative collaboration with American graphic designer David Carson for its unique bottling.

Q. On your first visit to India, what are you most excited about? Do you have a list of places to eat, drink, shop and explore?

Being here for the very first time, what excites me most is the energy and enthusiasm of the people in India. Everyone I’ve met has shown such incredible passion for The Macallan – its flavours and its stories, and I’ve been amazed by just how knowledgeable people are. That’s been hugely exciting for me. Of course, I do have a list of places to visit. Everyone I’ve met has recommended places to eat, drink and explore, and honestly, I think I’ll have to come back because there simply isn’t enough time to do it all. I’ve been absolutely amazed by the food, the drink, the culture and the cuisine here—the depth and complexity of Indian food is extraordinary.

There’s also a lovely synergy between that depth and complexity and The Macallan itself. The way flavours unfold here feels very aligned with our whisky.

Q. Tell us about the idea and inspiration behind The Macallan’s Timeless Collections.

At The Macallan, we like to time-travel. We’re deeply inspired by those who have gone before us—by our past. With the Timeless Collections, we wanted to embrace that heritage while presenting it in a way that is forward-looking and future-focused. The collection represents the idea of past, present and future coming together. It’s important to say that the whisky itself hasn’t changed. It’s the same whisky people know and love. What has changed is how it’s presented. We’ve reimagined the look and feel to allow people to access our stories more easily and to discover the subtle details that truly set The Macallan apart.

Q. Tell us how the process of crafting the whiskies: from identifying the best cask-making oak trees, their regions and how they lend a certain finesse?

Whisky making at The Macallan is incredibly complex—and it actually doesn’t start at the distillery. It begins in the forests of Northern Europe and North America. Uniquely, The Macallan follows a true acorn-to-glass philosophy. We own our cask supply, meaning we know exactly where the trees are grown, we own the sawmills, the cooperages where the casks are made, and the bodegas where the sherry wine is produced. One of these bodegas is Valdespino in the south of Spain—an extraordinary place. An incredible amount of time, energy and expertise goes into creating our exceptional sherry-seasoned oak casks, and that’s truly where whisky making begins for us. As a whisky maker, I then have the privilege of working with each individual cask to create every batch of The Macallan.

Q. How do you achieve the natural colour of the whiskies and where does it come from?

All of The Macallan whiskies are 100% natural in colour. That colour comes entirely from the oak casks. European oak imparts a deep, rich colour, while American oak gives a lighter, golden hue—and we celebrate both. We never use spirit caramel or additives. The colour you see is purely the result of the cask and the time spent maturing within it.

Q. What is the importance of oak casks in making whisky, especially for the Timeless Collections?

The cask is absolutely fundamental. As I mentioned, 100% of the natural colour comes from the cask, but beyond that, it’s all about flavour. The depth, complexity and character that oak casks bring to our whisky is extraordinary. For me, whisky making always starts with exceptional oak and the immense care and attention that goes into crafting each cask.

Q. How did the collaboration with design icon David Carson come together for bottling?

We’ve had a strong relationship with David Carson for several years, so when we decided to reimagine the look and feel of the Timeless Collection, he was the natural choice. What I love as a whisky maker is the synergy between his art and our craft. David works with collage, layering colour, texture and form, while I work with layers of flavour and complexity. There’s a beautiful parallel there. David created striking collages and murals, which then became the inspiration for the reimagined design of the Timeless Collection bottles.

Also Read: A Journey Through Japan’s Best Whisky Distilleries and Heritage

Q. Which trends do you see shaping the alcohol beverage industry in 2026?

The future is about authenticity—real stories, real people and genuine craftsmanship. Consumers are increasingly choosing to drink less but drink better. They want to understand what they’re drinking, where it comes from, and the care that goes into making it. Our reimagined core range allows people to truly connect with our stories and our quality. From the conversations I’ve had here in India, it’s clear how deeply people engage with these narratives.

Q. Do you have any favourite drinks in your personal collection?

For me, it’s about choosing the right whisky for the right moment. One of the most exciting experiences I’ve had in India was spending time with local bartenders. Their creativity and excitement around cocktails is incredible. Seeing The Macallan being interpreted through an Indian lens like an Old Fashioned with locally inspired sandalwood bitters was truly special. For my personal moments, after work on a Friday, I might reach for the Macallan 15-Year-Old Double Cask for its perfect balance of American and European oak. For celebrations, it would be the Macallan 18 Sherry Oak. And if I’m really treating myself, perhaps a bottle of the Macallan 30-Year-Old, shared with friends and family!