The Macallan brought Bond back to the Hollywood Hills with a whisky launch with a performance by the co-writer of No Time to Die’s theme song, Finneas.
Finneas performs at The Macallan and The Hollywood Reporter celebrate The Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release (Photo by Amy Sussman/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
On 3rd February, The Macallan hosted an immersive celebration for its Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release, a limited edition whisky created to mark 55 years since the 1971 Bond film. The Los Angeles launch took place at a private villa in the Hollywood Hills, with a guest list that included James Marsden, Joel McHale, Lamorne Morris and Tell Me Lies cast members Branden Cook and Catherine Missal.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas! (Photo by Amy Sussman/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
The villa was transformed into a series of set-piece spaces inspired by the film. Guests began in a Nevada-themed Desert Lounge with cocktails and canapés, before moving through a “Search for Seasoning” whisky lab and “The Sherry Touch”—a red laser-lined tasting room referencing one of the film’s most recognisable scenes.
The whisky itself was unveiled by Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell before a live performance by Finneas, who co-wrote the No Time to Die theme and performed four tracks. The event came just days after he won a Grammy for Wildflower.
Distilled in 2007 and bottled at 45.5% ABV, the 18 Year Old single malt was developed by Russell Greig and draws directly on Diamonds Are Forever for inspiration. The cask selection includes first-fill sherry-seasoned European oak, a small proportion of refill casks, American oak seasoned with Rioja, and hybrid casks made from both American and European oak staves. As David T Smith reported from the London launch at Dukes Hotel, the cask mix reflects key drinks moments from the film—Bond’s knowledge of an 1851 sherry solera, and Mr Wint’s failure to recognise a Mouton Rothschild as claret.
The tasting notes underline the whisky’s complexity. On the nose: “red fruit and rose, salted peanuts, raspberry, dried strawberry, and a gentle sweetness.” The palate opens with “dark and then milk chocolate” and “a richness akin to thick caramels”, followed by cappuccino, dried fruits like fig and apricot, then ginger and nutmeg. The finish is described as long and slightly tannic, with warm spice and evolving red fruit notes. A splash of water reportedly unlocks a sweeter side.
The Macallan’s Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release (Photo by Amy Sussman/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
The presentation tube includes original Ken Adam set sketches and lines from the script. Through the back of the glass bottle, a secret line of dialogue from the film is revealed as the whisky is consumed.
This is the second direct collaboration between The Macallan and the Bond franchise, following the 60th anniversary range released in 2022. The 55th anniversary release is priced at £600 in the UK and $750 in the US, with early access running until 17th February via The Macallan’s website and estate boutique, before hitting wider retail in March.
