Macallan Unveils Romantica Collection Honoring the Legacy of a Record-Breaking Whisky

(Photo: The Macallan)

The Macallan on Tuesday unveiled the Romantica Collection, a limited-edition whisky series created to honor the 100th anniversary of its most famous and valuable expression: The Macallan 1926.

The original 1926 whisky, distilled in 1926 and bottled in 1986 after 60 years of maturation, is widely regarded as one of the most significant single malts ever released. Only 40 bottles were produced, and several editions featuring label artwork by Sir Peter Blake, Valerio Adami and Michael Dillon have gone on to set record prices at auction, including one bottle that became the most valuable whisky ever sold.

The new Romantica Collection revisits that legacy through a new 1986 vintage drawn from a single sherry-seasoned European oak cask, number 9925. The release is limited to 258 bottles worldwide and marks a creative reunion with the three artists who originally contributed to the 1926 bottlings.

Each artist has created new original work inspired by themes of time, nature and community, extending the visual identity first associated with the 1926 releases. The artwork is featured on bespoke oak presentation boxes, with each bottle personally signed by the contributing artist. The allocation is split evenly, with 86 bottles per artist.

The whisky itself was distilled in October 1986 and matured for more than 39 years before bottling in February 2026. It is presented at 48.6% ABV and drawn from a single cask, continuing The Macallan’s long-standing focus on sherry-seasoned oak maturation.

Tasting notes from the distillery describe a bright profile of apricot conserve, canned peaches and toffee on the nose, followed by brown sugar, glazed peach and tropical fruit on the palate, and a long finish of dried fruit, leather and cacao.

The Romantica Collection will be released exclusively as a complete three-bottle set beginning July 30, 2026, available directly through The Macallan.