Independent Scotch whisky producer Blind Summit Whisky has unveiled its most exclusive collection to date, drawn from a single Macallan cask distilled in 1989. The release comprises two individually bottled whiskies, with just 30 sets available worldwide. Each expression has been finished separately, one in a Rivesaltes fortified wine cask and the other in a Barbados rum cask. Bottles are available individually at £1,250 per 50cl bottle or as a paired set for £2,500.
Drawing on the team’s collective whisky-making experience, each finishing cask was selected to build on, rather than mask, Macallan’s natural flavour profile. The Rivesaltes fortified wine finish enhances dried fruit and nut characteristics, while the Barbados rum finish brings brighter tropical notes to the fore, giving each whisky its own distinctive personality.
More than two years in the making, Blind Summit Co-Founder and Whiskymaker, James Zorab, divided the original cask and oversaw both finishing processes. His approach was designed to preserve the balance and character of the original whisky while allowing each expression to develop independently. The result is two whiskies with distinct identities that share the same origin, each offering a different interpretation of the same spirit.
Founded by Jamie Dawson and James Zorab, Blind Summit Whisky is an independent bottler based in Leith, Edinburgh. Together, they bring more than 40 years of combined experience across whisky and fine wine. Through more than 50 releases to date, the pair have developed a meticulous approach to cask selection and finishing.
James Zorab, Co-Founder and Whiskymaker at Blind Summit Whisky, said: “Our responsibility with a whisky of this age was to respect what the years in cask had already achieved. Each finishing cask was chosen to build on the character of the spirit rather than change it, and both were monitored closely throughout so that the finish never overtook the whisky. What we have bottled is two honest expressions of one exceptional cask.”
Jamie Dawson, Co-Founder of Blind Summit Whisky, added: “Sometimes you have to be bold. We didn’t want to release another Macallan finished in Oloroso simply because that’s what’s expected. Splitting the cask gave us the opportunity to explore two very different finishing journeys while making sure the character of the original whisky always remained at the heart of both expressions. The result is two distinct single malts with a common ancestry.”
Each pair is presented in Blind Summit’s signature 50cl packaging and features a unique mirrored label that forms a single continuous artwork across the set. The design was created in partnership with the company’s long-time Leith collaborators, Studio Reekee.
Limited to 30 sets worldwide, the collection is priced at £1,250 per 50cl bottle or £2,500 for the paired set. It is available now via the Blind Summit Whisky website, by contacting [email protected], or through the company’s worldwide trade partners.