【Event Report】The Macallan 200th Anniversary Exhibition Opening Party

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the opening party of The Macallan 200th Anniversary Exhibition "THE HEART OF THE SPIRIT TOKYO EXPERIENCE" was held at Yodobashi J6 Building!

This party was held prior to The Macallan 200th Anniversary Exhibition: "THE HEART OF THE SPIRIT TOKYO EXPERIENCE," which runs from Friday, November 8th to November 24th, 2024. Centered on the theme of "time," the event offered attendees the opportunity to experience the 200-year history of The Macallan.

We will deliver the state of the opening party day, so please watch it to the end!

About The Macallan 'THE HEART OF THE SPIRIT TOKYO EXPERIENCE'

Introducing The Macallan 200th Anniversary Exhibition

The Macallan, a leading name in Scotch whisky and often referred to as the 'Rolls-Royce of single malts,' celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. The distillery was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid, who began crafting whisky in small batches using a small still.

"THE HEART OF THE SPIRIT TOKYO EXPERIENCE" is an event that celebrates 200 years of history, allowing visitors to virtually experience The Macallan's journey through the themes of 'Past, Present, and Future.'

The Macallan 200th Anniversary : '200 years young'

The event venue was divided into 3 sections: the "Past" section, which introduced the five pioneers who carried on the legacy of The Macallan since its founding; the "Present" section, where attendees could experience The Macallan’s 200-year history through its original story, The Heart of The Spirit; and finally, the "Future" section, which featured the 200th-anniversary commemorative bottle 'TIME: SPACE' on display in a bar area.

Bar area where you can enjoy sake with "TIME : SPACE" on display "Mirai" section

Summary of the event

More about The Macallan

The legendary story of The Macallan began in 1824, when founder Alexander Reid started distilling his first whisky in a small still in Scotland's Speyside region. The uniquely shaped pot stills produce a heavy, oily spirit—unusual for a Speyside malt—which has won the hearts of enthusiasts around the world.

Plus, the whisky, matured in sherry casks that are meticulously managed in every step—from sourcing the wood to seasoning—exudes an elegant and refined character, earning it the nickname "the Rolls-Royce of single malts."

About The Heart of The Spirit Immersive Experience

'The Heart of The Spirit' is a collection of poems created in collaboration between Spanish artist Javi Aznarez and Scottish poet Jenni Fagan. The poetry collection explores the themes of "past, present, and future" while weaving together the 200-year journey of The Macallan and the stories of the five pioneers who shaped the brand.

Experience the story of 200 years of The Macallan in The Heart of The Spirit Immersive Experience.

'The Heart of The Spirit' Immersive Experience is a 3D projection artwork created by the creative studio *Pixel Artworks.* It offers a unique and unprecedented immersive digital experience as part of a special program.

This program offers a unique opportunity to embark on a "time travel" journey through the illustrious history of The Macallan. While savoring a specially crafted welcome cocktail based on The Macallan and the exquisite 'The Macallan Sherry Oak 18-Years,' guests will delve into the captivating narratives of the brand's 5 pioneering figures.

'The Heart of The Spirit' Immersive Experience

Whisky Tasting Seminar

At this event, a tasting seminar hosted by The Macallan Ambassador will be held. There are 3 courses available, and depending on the course, you can enjoy various Macallans, from standard products to rare bottles.

Classical Seminars

The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old

Premium Seminars

The Macallan Limited Edition The Harmony Collection Amber Meadow

Prestige Seminars

The Macallan M Black

'THE HEART OF THE SPIRIT TOKYO EXPERIENCE' Limited Cocktail

Past: "The Heritage"

「The Heritage」

A vintage-inspired cocktail reborn with a modern twist. This innovative take on the classic Scotch-based "Rob Roy" features a bespoke blend of vermouth, sherry, and tea, offering a refreshing new taste sensation that pays homage to over a century of beloved tradition.

When served, the cocktail is poured from a small vial contained in a small box, resembling a treasure box being opened. This visual presentation symbolizes a "gift from the past."

"The Heritage," inspired by a Tamatebako (treasure box)

Present: 'The Moment'

「The Moment」

A cocktail crafted in the highball style. Inspired by highballs and lemon sours—drinking styles deeply rooted in Japanese culture—this cocktail offers a refreshing and crisp flavor.

As a finishing touch, red ink is dropped onto the ice, symbolizing 'this very moment.'

"The Moment," served in highball style

Future: 'Spikes'

「Spikes」

This cocktail, inspired by the protective 'spike' featured on The Macallan's 200th anniversary bottle, is a delightful blend of whisky, strawberries, and vanilla. It's beautifully presented with a chocolate spike and a hint of pink pepper.

A delightful concoction that perfectly balances the rich sweetness of The Macallan with the vibrant tartness of strawberries.

"Spikes" created with the theme of "future"

High-profile guests who graced the opening event

The opening party held on November 7th, was graced by the presence of numerous distinguished guests from various fields. We present to you the comments of the guests who attended the opening party, as well as those who offered their well wishes to The Macallan on its 200th anniversary.

Actor: Ms. Ryoko Yonekura

Actor: Ms. Ryoko Yonekura

Ms. Ryoko Yonekura:
Through this exhibition, I was able to learn about the 200-year history of The Macallan, starting with its founder, Alexander Reid. From now on, I want to savor each sip, cherishing the thoughts of Alexander and the pioneers who inherited his beliefs. I particularly enjoy the sherry-flavored 'The Macallan Sherry Oak 18-Years,' and after watching the immersive digital video, I learned that Roderick Kemp was the one who started using sherry casks. This has further piqued my interest in sherry casks, which create rich flavors and deep complexity.

Singer and Actor: Mr. Lee Junho

Singer and Actor: Mr. Lee Junho

Mr. Lee Junho:
I am delighted to have had the opportunity to attend my first The Macallan event in Japan. The immersive digital animation program was truly inspiring, offering a glimpse into the brand's long history and craftsmanship. As a long-time admirer of The Macallan, this event held particular significance for me.

Model: Ms. Hikari Mori

Model: Ms. Hikari Mori

Ms. Mori Hikari:
The Macallan, with its 200-year history, has always been a brand I admire. I believe it's incredibly challenging to build such a long-lasting legacy across generations, so I came here hoping to learn the secrets behind their success. After experiencing the immersive digital experience, I was truly inspired by their storytelling approach.

Film director: Mr. Hitoshi Oone

Film director: Mr. Hitoshi Oone

Mr. Hitoshi Ohne:
The Macallan is a whisky I keep at home, and I drink it on special occasions. I often enjoy it as a highball or straight.

Professional runner: Mr. Suguru Osako

Professional runner: Mr. Suguru Osako

Mr. Kei Osako:
Through this exhibition and the immersive digital program's animation, I realized that The Macallan's 200-year history has been built piece by piece by human hands. It was a valuable time to experience The Macallan's world more deeply.

The atmosphere of the opening ceremony

We're excited to share highlights from the exclusive opening ceremony held before the launch of 'THE HEART OF THE SPIRIT TOKYO EXPERIENCE'.

Event Venues

The event venue, Yodobashi J6 Building, is located just a one-minute walk to the right after exiting JR Harajuku Station.

Bathed in the evening sun, the venue—designed in The Macallan's signature red to commemorate its 200th anniversary—created a magical and enchanting atmosphere.

The event venue: Yodobashi J6 Building

Entrance that draws you into the world of The Macallan

Entrance area

An invitation with a magic

Upon passing through the entrance and arriving at the reception area, you show them the invitation card.

"THE HEART OF THE SPIRIT TOKYO EXPERIENCE" Opening Party Invitation

In fact, this invitation was more than just an invitation!
If you peel off this origami-like red part and float it in boiling water...

Transformed invitations

It instantly transformed into a shape resembling a 'spike,' which has become the symbol of this event! Apparently, this brooch was created for the opening party using advanced technology and special materials.

A special photo booth with a special backdrop

A special photo booth for commemorative pictures was set up across from the reception counter.

Special Photo Booth

In addition to The Macallan's iconic red background, you could also take photos with exclusive 200th anniversary event illustrations and images as your backdrop. After the photo session, you could scan the QR code displayed on the screen to save the image to your smartphone.

Cameras in the Special Photo Booth

Past section

5 Pioneers Who Shaped The Macallan's History

Past section

When I went from the reception space to the next area, there was a section with the theme of "past".

In this section, you can learn about five key pioneers in The Macallan's history, including its founder, Alexander Reid.

The Macallan Founder Alexander Reid

Digital Interactive Book

Digital Interactive Book

Moving further into the 'Past' section, a digital interactive book was displayed using a projector. Here, visitors could celebrate The Macallan's 200-year history by exploring 'The Heart of The Spirit,' a poetry collection by Javi Aznarez and Jenny Feigan featuring 200 poems and illustrations.

Amazingly, this digital interactive book allows you to turn the pages simply by hovering your hand over it!

Displayed alongside the digital interactive book were the poetry collection 'The Heart of The Spirit' and 'The Macallan Sherry Oak 30 Years Old.'

"Current" section

'The Heart of The Spirit' Immersive Experience

"The Heart of The Spirit" Immersive Experience Reception

Behind the "Past" section, you'll find the "Present" section where you can experience The Heart of The Spirit Immersive Experience.

Welcome cocktail "Messenger"

When you enter through the entrance, you will be greeted by a welcome drink.

This welcome drink, named 'Messenger,' is based on The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old and enhanced with herbal notes, resulting in a refreshing and vibrant flavor.

'Messenger' and 'The Macallan Sherry Oak 18-Years'

'The Macallan Sherry Oak 18-Years' was prepared at the seats.

'The Heart of The Spirit' Immersive Experience was an immersive video experience where you could enjoy 200 years of The Macallan's history along with The Macallan Sherry Oak 18-Years.

"The Heart of The Spirit" Immersive Experience

"Future" section

Bar area with a variety of The Macallan

A tunnel leading to the future

From the 'Present' section, passing through a tunnel in The Macallan's signature red, you arrive at the bar area of the 'Future' section.

Bar area in the "Future" section

In the bar area, we were able to enjoy not only three limited edition cocktails, but also the classic products of The Macallan.

You could choose how to enjoy your drink—highball, on the rocks, or straight—allowing you to savor and compare various expressions of The Macallan, each with different ages and styles!

Bar Counter serving The Macallan

The bar area also featured displays of The Macallan 200th anniversary bottles, 'TIME : SPACE' and 'TIME : SPACE Mastery' (only 'TIME : SPACE Mastery' will be exhibited during the event period).

The Macallan 200th Anniversary Bottle "TIME : SPACE" (left) and "TIME : SPACE Mastery" (right)

Greetings and toasts by the people involved

An opening party crowded with many people

After arriving at the bar area, an opening party greeting was given by Mr. Gaku, who serves as The Macallan Brand Ambassador Japan.

The Macallan Brand Ambassador: Gaku

Following an opening address by Mr. Gaku, a representative from Suntory Holdings Limited, the official distributor of The Macallan in Japan, took the stage to share their aspirations for this event.

Representative from Suntory Holdings

Lastly, Mr. Jamie Martin Choncano, North Asia Managing Director of Edrington, the company that owns The Macallan, shared reflections on The Macallan's 200-year history and its journey alongside Japan.

Edrington North Asia Managing Director: Mr. Jamie

The opening remarks concluded with a toast, accompanied by the Scottish Gaelic phrase for "cheers," Slàinte mhath!

3 people raising their glasses with the call of 'Slàinte mhath (Slanjivar)'

Electrifying Live Performance by World-Renowned DJ

Whisky glasses tinted in The Macallan's signature color

The opening party concluded with a live performance by the world-renowned DJ Kavinsky.

Live performance by DJ Kavinsky

The Macallan 200th Anniversary Exhibition Opening Party reached its grand finale with a live performance by the globally acclaimed musician Kavinsky, who had previously captivated audiences at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

Venue Bathed in Red for Kavinsky's Performance

At Last

That concludes our event report on the opening party of 'THE HEART OF THE SPIRIT TOKYO EXPERIENCE.'

The Macallan's 200th-anniversary celebration was a captivating event that allowed guests to fully experience its 'past,' the 'present' here and now, and the 'future' it aspires to.

Decorated in line with the theme of 'Past, Present, Future,' the extraordinary event venue offers guests the chance to fully immerse themselves in the allure of The Macallan, dubbed the 'Rolls-Royce of Single Malts.'

This event will be held until November 24th, so be sure to visit the event venue!