Los Angeles’ John Sowden House is a mercurial sort of property. Designed in 1926 by Lloyd Wright in the Mayan Revival style, the home has been used as the backdrop for TV and film sets, art exhibitions, and more. Last Thursday, the property transported guests to the world of cinema’s most storied spy for a celebration of the partnership between James Bond and The Macallan.
To commemorate 60 years of James Bond on film and celebrate their shared Scottish heritage, The Macallan teamed up with the spy icon to launch a limited-edition collection of six bottle designs for its single-malt whisky. Each bottle’s unique illustration pays tribute to a different decade in Bond history, from 007’s first portrayal on screen in the ’60s to the ruins of the Bond family’s Scottish estate Skyfall, shown in the 2012 film of the same name. Last week’s event brought the partnership to life with an exclusive, star-studded event.
On Thursday evening, Sowden House opened its doors to an immersive, one-night-only experience showcasing not only The Macallan’s new collection, but also James Bond’s illustrious film history. Upon passing through the property’s show-stopping facade, guests including Jesse Williams, Adam DiMarco, and Samara Weaving traversed each decade in Bond history by exploring the limited-edition bottle designs up close, sampling 007-inspired cocktails, and trying out a bit of spyware themselves with a UV flashlight designed to illuminate menus and room decor.
In the event’s well-trafficked photo moment, attendees could stand in a replica of Bond’s wardrobe surrounded by immaculate suits and accessories, all while holding a glass of The Macallan (yes, Bond does deviate from the classic martini). Other curated spaces included the Decades Bar, inspired by luxury vintage train bars, and the Library Lounge, the kind of old school den Bond himself might enjoy if he were ever to enjoy a relaxing evening at home.
One of the night’s main highlights was the Sowden’s breathtaking pool space, found in the center of the estate. There, guests listened poolside as Orchid Quartet, an LA-based women-owned string quartet, played themes from the original James Bond score by John Barry. Lighting elements installed in the bottom of the pool lit up the space to resemble a spy security grid, and a Vesper cocktail featuring The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year, Americano, green tea, yuzu, and citrus bitters, offered the perfect toast to cap off the night.
Tied together by their Scottish roots, James Bond and The Macallan are both timeless innovators in their own way. The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release digs into the archives to tell the story of Bond’s journey on film through The Macallan’s bright and exuberant single malt, created by Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell to reflect the spy’s indomitable character.
Here’s to another 60 years of Bond.
Source: W Magazine
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