About The Macallan Scotch Whiskey

The Macallan is a high-quality single malt scotch whiskey from the Speyside region of Scotland. Throughout its long history, connoisseurs of fine scotch have held it in high esteem, and today it is one of the best known and loved single malts on the world market.

Geography

Distilleries in Scotland are divided by geographical region. Since every region has unique conditions---water, peat, barley, distillation methods and weather---whiskeys produced in one region can differ significantly in taste from those produced in other regions. The main regions are Lowland, Highland, Campbeltown, Islay and Speyside. Speyside is an area between the cities of Aberdeen and Inverness.

History

A local farmer named Reid obtained a license to run a legal distillery in an area called Easter Elchies House in 1824. Roderick Kemp bought the distillery 70 years later and began establishing The Macallan as an international brand. This resulted in better sales, and the distillery was expanded between 1951 and 1963. The Edrington Group bought the distillery in 1999. The group owns several distilleries around Scotland, including Highland Park, and also owns brands like the blended scotch Cutty Sark.

Features

The Macallan brand is known for its elegance and complexity, and includes a variety of options. Connoisseurs love the 18-year-old Macallan Sherry Oak, which won "Best Malt in the World" in a poll conducted by Whisky Magazine in 2004. (Note the two ways to spell the word whiskey: Europeans drop the "e," while the Americans keep it.) This malt also received a perfect score (100/100) from the Beverage Tasting Institute of Chicago in 1999. Traditionally, the Sherry Oak malt is left to mature and mellow in oak sherry casks imported from Spain. The Macallan Fine Oak 12-year-old malt---a relatively new offering from the distillery---also received top scores from critics, and is matured in bourbon as well as sherry oak casks.

Considerations

If you're looking for a fine single malt scotch to give as a gift, you can't go wrong with The Macallan. Both seasoned malt drinkers and novices alike love the refined, mellow taste of this malt. The 12-year-old Macallan is easy to find, as is the 18-year-old, and is not overly expensive for a single malt, running anywhere between $45 for the 12-year-old to over $200 for the 18-year-old. More expensive versions of the 25- and 30-year-old malt can also be found in specialty stores. Prices range between $200 and $700. Unique and rare vintages of 50 or more years are hard to find, and cost thousands of dollars.

Expert Insight

Many experts agree that The Macallan is one of the top brands of single malt scotch. Michael Jackson (not the pop star), author of "The World Guide to Whisky" and a noted authority on beer and whiskey, praises the 10-year-old Macallan---a very affordable option---as uncomplicated, robust and delicious. The Macallan is often dubbed "the Rolls-Royce of single malt whiskeys" and continues to produce some of the finest malts in the world.

Resources

• The Macallan Official Website