The Macallan – the pillars of a unique reputation
The Macallan is just one of the most reputable and valuable brands of Scotch whisky, and as a single malt, this is considered the best. Learn about the various pillars that make The Macallan the myth that it is today.
The Macallan – the six pillars that support the myth
The Macallan distillery is located in the north west of Scotland, in the region of Speyside, having at his side who is considered his spiritual home, the castle Easter Elchies House.
One of the factors that help to understand the specificity of this Scotch are its stills. With a single, smaller than the usual format, the copper stills helps concentrate the flavor of the distilled beverage.
Regarding the oak barrels, Macallan carefully selects and uses only the best ones for the aging process of the Scotch.
One of the most important factors for the exceptional quality of the The Macallan’s Scotch is its “cut”. Also known as the best portion of whisky, the cut is the amount of distilled liquid that is taken from stills. The Macallan usually uses only 16% of the distilled liquid, which is one of the best cuts from all over Scotland. Only the finest portion is used for aging in oak casks, then resulting in the most valuable whiskies in the world.
At The Macallan house, the color of the Scotch produced, results simply of the natural characteristics of the wood and beverage.
Finally, the last pillar of The Macallan reputation concerns the constant search for perfection. This house is keen to always keep the quality at the highest point possible, offering the world an unparalleled scotch whisky.
Have you ever tried one of the Macallan Scotches?Â
I have been a MaCallan drinker for decades and have experienced many of their expresssions ranging from 12 to 40 years old. I have visited the distillery several times and done tastings (and drawn spider charts) in their tasting room. The current Macallans are nowhere near the quality of past expressions. Today’s 30 year old is a weak sister of one from even just 10 years ago. In addition, regrettably Macallan, has priced itself out of the primary scotch market, forcing many, including myself, to search for other, less expensive high quality whiskies. I have been able to find several scotches of equal or better quality to the modern Macallan, at prices one half to one third the price of a Macallan. While they used to be rightfully called the “King of Scotches”, they no longer deserve that title. Shamefully, Macallan has lost its way.
Thanks for your comment Brian. In your opinion what other scotches are of equal or better quality than e Mac? Thanks for sharing.