Renowned for its sherry-seasoned American and European oak, Macallan is undoubtedly the pinnacle of single malt whisky.
Their extremely rare expressions reach eye-watering amounts at auction, but Macallan also has some surprisingly accessible options for whiskey enthusiasts.
Let's explore the finest in whisky making and discover what makes Macallan so unique.
The History of Macallan Whisky
Founded in 1824, the Macallan distillery was established by school teacher and barley farmer Alexander Reid. It became one of the first legally licensed distilleries in Scotland after the Excise Act was passed in 1823.
Originally named the Elchies distillery, whisky was initially sold to cattle drovers. However, thanks to his commitment to only using the finest ingredients and traditional methods, Reid quickly became renowned as a high-quality whisky maker.
In 1892, the distillery was purchased by Roderick Kemp and renamed Macallan-Glenlivet. He established the use of sherry casks and laid the foundation for what would become the iconic Macallan sherry oak range.
The brand endured through the decades, and the distillery changed hands several times. Today, Macallan is owned by Edrington after it was purchased from Highland Distillers in 1999.
The Macallan ranks as the second-best-selling single malt scotch whisky globally, trailing only Glenfiddich, and is celebrated worldwide for its quality.
The Six Pillars of Macallan
Macallan's entire ethos is built around its "six pillars". These are the core principles that define its whisky production and what makes it so special.
1. Mastery
Macallan takes great pride in the control it maintains over every stage of production. It doesn't cut corners and maintains quality craftsmanship throughout.
From selecting the barley grains and preserving the natural hue, right through to the bottling process, Macallan ensures that precision, expertise, and creativity go into every edition.
2. Exceptional Oak Casks
Macallan attributes the quality and superior flavor profiles of its Scotch whisky to the exceptional oak casks it uses for production.
Each cask is crafted using American and European oak, handpicked by its own sawmills. Then, the sherry seasoning process takes around five years to meet the standards Macallan expects.
3. Sherry Seasoned
Sherry seasoned oak casks are what make Macallan whisky so distinctive and iconic. Unlike many Scotch producers who rely on ex-bourbon barrels, Macallan stands out in this arena.
The sherry wine is meticulously selected from Valdespino, one of Spain's oldest and most respected sherry houses. The resulting impact is a deep, complex flavor, rich in notes of spice and dried fruit.
4. Natural Color
Each drop of Macallan gets its color solely from the European and American oak barrel and its interaction with its new make spirit. Absolutely no caramel coloring is used at any point.
The natural hue is a sign of authenticity, and you can observe a wide spectrum of colors from light gold to dark mahogany.
5. Curiously Small Stills
Macallan's copper pot stills are among the smallest in Speyside and similar to those used in 1824. Their unique size and shape are designed to maximize contact between the spirit and copper, resulting in its distinct fruity and rich, full-bodied flavor profile.
6. The Macallan Estate
The 485-acre Macallan estate is nestled in the stunning hills of Speyside - one of the key Scotch regions. In the center of the estate, you will find Easter Elchies House, the image of which is featured on every bottle.
The Macallan distillery is also situated here, located along the River Spey. A new facility opened in 2018, which now houses one of the most advanced distilling operations in the world.
The Most Expensive Whisky Ever Sold
Talk to any serious whisky collector and they will undoubtedly have a bottle of Macallan in their possession.
Although Macallan holds multiple world records for the most expensive whisky ever sold, the one that tops the charts is the Macallan Fine & Rare 1926. Auctioned by Sotheby's in 2023, this sole bottle went for a staggering $2.7 million.
Another notable mention is The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926 60 Year Old, which sold for $2.2 million at auction. Only 12 bottles of this expression were ever made, making it one of the rarest - and finest - whiskies on the planet.
5 Rare Macallan Collections
Macallan whisky is essentially a fine art and sells for just as much. Here are some of the most iconic and rare collections that are the epitome of luxury whiskies.
1. The Macallan in Lalique
Made in collaboration with the French glassmaker Lalique, this collection features seven stunningly designed bottles. Six of the bottles are a nod to the pillars, while one commemorates the opening of the new distillery.
Each bottle contains the rarest and finest single malt, aged between 50 and 72 years.
One bottle of this collection reached $816,580 at auction.
2. The Red Collection
The Macallan Red Collection was bottled in 2020 and comprises a set of six whiskies named after their dark, reddish hue.
The last bottle produced in this collection was aged for 78 years, making it the oldest bottle released from the Macallan range. It subsequently reached $106,000 at auction.
3. The Reach Collection
Before the final edition of the Red Collection, the Reach Collection was considered the oldest whisky ever to be released.
Aged for 81 years in oak casks, the whisky is housed in one of the most unique bottles you will ever see. Featuring a hand-blown decanter, the bottle rests in a bronze sculpture of three hands and sits within a handcrafted wooden cabinet.
Sales of this extremely coveted release have reached as high as $408,285.
4. The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection
The Fine & Rare Collection spans decades, reaching back as far as 1926. It has gained a cult status among collectors, with each vintage expression fetching a high price.
For example, a bottle of Fine & Rare 1957 fetched $200,000 at Sotheby's.
5. The Distil Your World Collection
The Distil Your World Collection is an ongoing collaboration with the Roca Brothers, owners of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant El Cellar de Roca.
The collection explores multiple cultures with expressions named by world destinations like London, Mexico, New York, and others.
Depending on the bottle, a Distil Your World expression can reach up to $250,000 at auction.
7 Best Affordable Macallan Whiskies
Fortunately, you don't have to be a millionaire to enjoy a glass of Macallan. While the Macallan brand is certainly in the top-shelf price range, there are plenty of accessible expressions that you can enjoy.
Here are some of our favorites.
1. Classic Cut Single Malt
The Classic Cut Single Malt is a yearly release offering a higher ABV of around 52.4%. The addition of water unlocks new flavors, leading to a fuller mouthfeel with a deeper character.
Each year's release features different characteristics but there are common flavor profiles throughout. Expect bright notes of citrus, vanilla, and tropical fruits.
You will struggle to get your hands on previous expressions of Classic Cut. However, the 2024 edition is still readily available for a reasonable $160.
2. 12-year Double Cask
Part of the Double Cask Collection, the 12-year Double Cask offers a rounded flavor profile with notes of citrus, spice, dried fruit, and warm fudge.
Aged entirely in European oak casks, and one of the most affordable bottles within the Macallan lineup, you can get it for around $100.
3. 15-year Double Cask
Another edition of the previous collection, the 15-year Double Cask gives you a perfectly balanced single malt aged in both European and American oak casks.
The extended aging gives you a rich, warm experience with flavors of vanilla, orange peel, raisin, and baking spices.
Exceptionally smooth on the palate, this expression goes for around $200.
4. 18-Year Sherry Oak Cask
The 18-year Sherry Oak Cask is a lush and complex annual release expression. First released in 2017, each edition of Sherry Oak brings you a full-bodied experience.
You'll find flavors of mature oak, raisin, and ginger with hints of dark chocolate and fig.
Both the 2024 and 2025 editions are easily found and priced at around $450. Older expressions are harder to come by.
5. The Harmony Collection
One of the newer collections within the Macallan range, the Harmony Collection is inspired by sustainability and the natural world. Each release comes in eco-friendly packaging and focuses on distinct, rich flavors.
We particularly like the Rich Cacao expression. Made in collaboration with the Roca Brothers, it features a deep chocolate profile paired with spices and roasted nuts.
Another favorite is Vibrant Oak. This fresh and bright expression is matured in first-fill American oak and second-fill sherry oak. The result is a medium, smooth profile with notes of green oak, citrus, and vanilla.
Vibrant Oak is available for around $220, while Rich Cacao fetches a higher price of around $290.
6. 12-Year-Old Triple Cask Matured
The 12-year-old Triple Cask Matured is aged in a trio of barrels: One European sherry oak, one American sherry, and an American ex-bourbon.
The result is a light, floral expression, with zesty lemon, soft spices, and a touch of coconut.
It's a great beginner option for those who prefer less intense whisky. You can find bottles for around $120.
7. Macallan Rare Cask 2024
Finally, for those willing to splurge a bit more on a bottle of Macallan, we have the Rare Cask 2024, a great starter option for fledgling collectors.
This small-batch, annual release is crafted using hand-selected, unique casks that are put out to pasture once the batch is complete.
Featuring a deep, mahogany hue, Rare Cask is deep and rich with flavors of molasses, cherry, chocolate, and warm woody spice.
The 2024 release is available for around $400; however, be quick - they typically sell out fast. Previous years' expressions are difficult to find, even on the secondary market.
FAQs
What is the best Macallan to start with?
The best Macallan to start with is the 12-year-old Double Cask. It showcases the signature richness of sherry oak without being too heavy or intense. It's reasonably priced too, at around $100 per bottle.
What are the six pillars of Macallan?
The six pillars of Macallan are: Mastery, Exceptional Oak Casks, Sherry Seasoning, Natural Color, Curiously Small Stills, and The Macallan Estate.
Each pillar is a core principle of the Macallan whisky maker's philosophy.
Is Macallan a high-end whiskey?
Absolutely; the Macallan brand is one of the most sought-after luxury whisky brands in the world. Although some bottles are easy on the wallet and readily available, the rare and limited editions can command hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars at auction.
What's the best way to drink Macallan?
The best way to drink scotch whisky is neat, and the same is true for Macallan, particularly if you have an aged expression. A splash of water can help release the flavors, but it's not essential. Avoid adding ice to older expressions, since this can dull the flavor profile.
Which Macallan does James Bond drink?
James Bond most famously drinks Macallan Fine & Rare 1962 in a scene in Skyfall. However, he has drunk Macallan several times throughout the Bond movie series, but the expressions are not specified.
Final Thoughts
It might sound cheesy, but Macallan single malt truly is an experience - one to be savored and appreciated.
We tip our hats to Alexander Reid, the man who made this sherry-seasoned dream a reality almost two centuries ago.
So pour yourself a dram, take your time, and enjoy the moment. That’s the Macallan way.
If you're interested in exploring other notable whisky brands, we recommend checking out Blackened whisky and Blanton's Bourbon.
