A Guide to The Macallan
The Macallan is undoubtedly one of the most iconic brands in the world of Scotch whisky.
A name synonymous with prestige, tradition, and excellence, it not only commands record-breaking prices at auction but truly holds its place as one of the most revered and sought-after single malts for whisky drinkers and enthusiasts around the world.
Located in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region, the Macallan distillery marks its 200th anniversary this year, a significant milestone reflecting its enduring legacy and widespread popularity.
In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through the Macallan's history, explore its extensive range, and delve into the meticulous processes that make it one of the most celebrated single malts today.
A Brief History
The Macallan distillery was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid near Craigellachie in the Speyside region of Scotland. Although it’s likely that Reid had been producing whisky for some time previously, he was one of the original distillery license holders in the area, having grasped the opportunity when the Excise Act was passed in 1823.
The Elchies distillery, as it was originally called, would sell whisky to cattle drovers passing by on their way to the livestock markets of the central belt of Scotland. Reid quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality whisky with a focus on using only the finest ingredients and traditional methods.
After Reid’s death in 1847, the licence was taken over by James Shearer Priest and James Davidson. The distillery was renamed Macallan-Glenlivet in 1892 but dropped the Glenlivet suffix by 1980.
Over the years the distillery changed hands many times over and by the 1950s was expanded in size, increasing to five stills. It was expanded again in 1965 to twelve stills, and finally to 21 stills by 1975.
Distillery & Estate
In 2018, the Macallan opened its new state-of-the-art distillery and visitor centre.
The distillery is highly unusual in that it is partly subterranean and has been built into the earth, appearing from a distance as a series of hillocks.
In a remarkable engineering achievement, its expansive roof, a massive structure covered with grass and wildflowers is designed to emphasise Macallan’s commitment to nature and sustainability and blends seamlessly into the surrounding Speyside landscape.
Inside, the distillery is a blend of tradition and modern innovation. The production area is home to 36 small copper stills – the smallest in Speyside – built in a circle formation, and using high-tech, energy efficient processes.
Visitors can explore the interactive visitor centre that delves into the history, artistry and production of the Macallan. The interior also features a stunning oak lined maturation room and bar.
The distillery itself sits in the middle of the sprawling 485-acre Macallan Estate with the River Spey running through the heart of it. Since 1998, the estate’s been growing and harvesting Golden Promise barley, known for producing the nutty, oily flavour profile used in Macallan’s limited edition and luxury whiskies.
The Macallan’s Oak Casks
The Macallan uses two types of oak for its casks: American oak and European oak.
American oak grown in Macallan’s own forests in Missouri and Kentucky in the USA are harvested when they are around 70 years old. The oak is very dense and often imparts notes of caramel and vanilla.
European oak is used from forests in Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria in northern Spain and are harvested when they are slightly older than the American oak. European oak is more porous and richer in tannins imparting notes of dark fruit and spice.
World’s Most Valuable Whisky
The Macallan whiskies often reach eye-watering prices at auction but in 2023 a new world record was set.
The Macallan 60-Year-Old 1926, with a label designed and signed by Italian artist Valerio Adami, was sold at auction to an anonymous bidder at Sotheby’s in London on 18 November 2023 for £2.2 million. This price broke its own record of £1.4 million, set in October 2019 when a previous bottle of Macallan 26 was sold at auction.
The Macallan Range
Over the years, the Macallan has distinguished itself by aging its whisky exclusively in oak casks seasoned with sherry, which became a hallmark of its rich and complex flavour profile offering notes of fruitcake, dried fruit and nutmeg.
Offering an extensive range of single malt whiskies, each one showcases Macallan’s dedication to quality, with a focus on cask selection and maturation processes that bring out distinctive flavours and characteristics.
Sherry Oak Series
The Sherry Oak series is matured exclusively in sherry-seasoned oak casks from the bodegas of Jerez, Spain, and offers rich, full-bodied flavours with notes of dried fruits, spice, and chocolate.
Double Cask
The Double Cask range blends whiskies aged in both sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks, resulting in a balanced profile with sweet, spicy, and oaky notes.
Triple Cask Matured
This range combines whiskies aged in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks, as well as ex-bourbon casks. This series is known for its lighter, more delicate flavours, with hints of citrus, vanilla, and oak.
Limited Editions
For those seeking ultra-premium expressions, the Macallan offers limited-edition collections like the Harmony Collection, in collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney, which celebrates the lush fertile lands of Scotland, connecting those that had stood on them for generations.
Rare Cask
Additionally, the Macallan Rare Cask range highlights the distillery’s finest and rarest casks, offering rich and complex whiskies.
200th Anniversary
This year, in 2024, the Macallan celebrates its 200th anniversary, marking two centuries of whisky craftsmanship. To commemorate this milestone, it has released ‘Tales of The Macallan Volume II’, a rare single malt whisky originally distilled in 1949 and bottled in 2022.
This special release is housed in a handcrafted crystal decanter by Lalique, encased within an intricately designed almanac featuring illustrations that tell the story of Macallan's founder, Alexander Reid. Only 344 decanters were made available for sale, making it an exclusive collector's item.
At Sprit Still we stock a wide range of whiskies from the Macallan as well as from independent bottlers. They’re available to buy at Still Spirit alongside other Speyside favourites.
