Macallan, one of the most renowned Scotch whisky distilleries, is celebrating its 200th anniversary with events across the country. Recently, whisky enthusiasts had the chance to experience an unforgettable MacAllan tasting event hosted by Macallan’s Brand Ambassador, Niamh Taylor. The event was both educational and entertaining, shedding light on what makes Macallan whisky so special — and why it’s worth the investment.
If you’ve ever wondered why Macallan costs more than other whiskies, this tasting reveals the reasons. The key to Macallan’s premium price lies in their meticulous attention to detail. From selecting the casks to the aging process, every step is carefully managed. This is to ensure consistency in taste, quality, and experience. Which is why they earned 12th in our whisky awards for 2024! Niamh Taylor provided fascinating insights into the distillery’s processes. This included how they digitally track each cask and the six-year journey it undergoes from tree to sherry-seasoned cask. Here are some of the tasting highlights:
Whisky Cocktail: Macallan Double Oak 12 Year Old Old Fashioned
The evening began with a refreshing Old Fashioned cocktail crafted using Macallan Double Oak 12 Year Old (£80, 40% ABV), saffron-infused honey, and chocolate bitters. This cocktail showcased the classic Macallan flavors of wood spice, dried fruit, and vanilla, while the sweetness added an extra layer of complexity.
Amber Meadow, The Harmony Collection 3rd Release
Price: £160, ABV: 44.2%
An intriguing release, the Amber Meadow is lighter in color and flavor compared to typical Macallan whiskies. This is due to its maturation in ex-Bourbon barrels, which Macallan typically reserves for casks that don’t align with their desired flavor profile.
- Nose: Meadows
- Palate: Fruit, coconut, butter
- Finish: A touch of spice with a salted butter mouthfeel
15-Year-Old Double Cask
Price: £150, ABV: 43%
Matured in a blend of European and American oak, the 15-Year-Old Double Cask offers a smooth, creamy experience that’s characteristic of Macallan’s signature style.
- Nose: Fruit, chocolate
- Palate: Vanilla, fruit, spice
- Finish: Mirrors the palate with smooth, lingering flavors
18-Year-Old Double Cask 2023
Price: £300, ABV: 43%
Described as the quintessential Macallan, the 18-Year-Old Double Cask boasts more European oak, ensuring consistency in the whisky’s flavor profile year after year.
- Nose: Vanilla, fruit, spice
- Palate: Christmas cake with standout figs and sultanas
- Finish: Reminiscent of rich, spiced Christmas cake
30-Year-Old Double Cask 2021
Price: £3995, ABV: 43%
Arguably the star of the evening, the 30-Year-Old Double Cask left a lasting impression, despite the limited 10ml sample. At this price point, the depth and complexity of the whisky were truly extraordinary, with each sip offering new layers of flavor.
- Nose: Chocolate and fruit
- Palate: Intense complexity, with rich layers of flavor that are difficult to fully describe
- Finish: Long and satisfying, with typical Macallan notes
The Verdict: Best Dram of the Night
Unsurprisingly, the 30-Year-Old was voted the best dram of the evening. However, when asked which whisky they would purchase, the group was split between the 15-Year-Old and the Amber Meadow. This whisky enthusiast leaned towards the Amber Meadow, appreciating its lighter ABV and unique flavor profile that deviates from the traditional Macallan style. But one does wonder if the whisky glasses we used maybe helped us reach this verdict?
Why Macallan is Worth the Price
What sets Macallan apart isn’t just the quality of the whisky, but the meticulous process behind it. From sourcing the finest ingredients to tracking each cask’s journey, Macallan ensures that every bottle is a consistent and exceptional product. This level of craftsmanship and attention to detail is what justifies the higher price tag and makes Macallan a standout in the world of Scotch whisky.
If you ever get the chance to attend a Macallan tasting, it’s an experience well worth it — not just for the whisky, but for the deep dive into the history and process behind this iconic distillery.
