For the most part, the Macallan does one thing and does it very well—making excellent single malt scotch whisky that is aged in American and European sherry-seasoned oak casks. The distillery releases several different special editions each year, and all of those usually spend time in some combination of those types of barrels, with proportions, age, and proof being the most significant variations. But every now and then, the Macallan comes up with something a bit different, and such is the case with its latest release, a tribute to James Bond that was partially aged in red wine and bespoke hybrid casks—a first for the distillery.

This is the second James Bond-themed whisky from the Macallan, the first being a collection of six bottles released in 2022 that celebrated the film franchise’s 60th anniversary. This new expression, however, commemorates the 55th anniversary of the classic 1971 film Diamonds are Forever starring Sean Connery, and is appropriately called the Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release. There are a few specific tie-ins here in regards to what’s actually in the bottle. The whisky was distilled in 2007 (a reference to 007), aged for 18 years, and bottled at 45.5 percent ABV (a reference to the 55th anniversary).

But it’s the maturation process that has really had the most significant impact upon the flavor, and as mentioned before it marks a first for the distillery (wine casks have been used before, but not this specific type and combination of casks). While much of what’s in the bottle was aged in the Macallan’s usual sherry-seasoned oak casks, some of it was also matured in hybrid casks made from sherry-seasoned European and American oak staves, and some of it was aged in barrels that previously held red wine.

We spoke to whisky maker Russell Greig about this release, and he said that there were no finishes involved, so all of the whisky was matured for a full 18 years in each individual type of cask. “Everything was filled in 2007 with robust new make spirit, which worked so well with these casks,” he told Robb Report. “Everything is first-fill. That’s something that we’re really proud of at the Macallan, is making sure that we’ve got that quality, with attention to detail at every level.” While the red wine casks played a significant part in the whisky’s makeup, Greig says they were not the biggest component. “They play into the flavors and the story that I was looking for,” he said. “It’s all about balance and ensuring that we are building and developing whisky that with Macallan’s signature quality.”

We were able to sample this single malt, and indeed it is a different animal from other Macallan releases. The sherry-seasoned oak continues to play a dominant role on the palate, but there is a nice burst of fresh berries and some soft tannic notes that really steer the whisky’s character in a direction that is new for the distillery.

As far as the Bond tie-in, it is both conceptual and literal. The brand says that the whisky’s color is supposed to evoke the desert around Las Vegas where Diamonds are Forever is set, and the packaging was inspired by the production art. But according to creative director Jaume Ferras, the distillery’s relationship with the Bond franchise, and cinema, is a storied one. “The Macallan has a long-standing connection with film and television, appearing in over 290 productions across the years,” he said in a statement. “It is a privilege to honor the enduring legacy of James Bond in cinema, with stories and characters that continue to inspire audiences around the world.”

The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release (SRP $750) is available starting today at the distillery’s website and at the Macallan Estate Boutique, and will be released at select U.S. retailers starting in March. In the meantime, you can find many other expressions to purchase at websites like ReserveBar now.