Deep Roots
Founded in 1824
The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then we have built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland – and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship.
“Maghellan”
The Macallan distillery was founded by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher. The original name of the area was “Maghellan”, taken from the Gaelic word “magh”, meaning fertile ground and “Ellan”, from the Monk St.Fillan – who held a close association with the church that stood in the grounds of The Macallan Estate until 1400. Farmers had been making whisky on their Speyside farms in the area for centuries, using their surplus barley during the quieter winter months
Strong Foundations
The Six Pillars
The reputation of The Macallan is built on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles. From place to process, people and passion, the Six Pillars are the backdrop to The Macallan’s unique spirit.
The Macallan Estate
The Macallan Estate, origins of which date back to 1543, is situated in the heart of the Speyside region of Scotland. The 485-acre Macallan Estate lies in an area of natural beauty and is farmed sensitively, in harmony with the environment.
Curiously Small Stills
The Macallan’s Curiously Small Stills are amongst the smallest on Speyside. Their unique size and shape give the spirit maximum contact with the copper, helping to concentrate the ‘new make’ spirit and provide the rich, fruity, full-bodied flavours characteristic of The Macallan. There are 24 of these spirit stills, crafted from copper, each holding an initial ‘charge’ of 3,900 litres.
Exceptional Oak Casks
It takes over five years of craftmanship to create our Exceptional Oak Casks, which are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality and distinctive aromas and flavours of The Macallan.
Sherry Seasoned
The Macallan maintains its tradition of maturing whisky in oak casks, which are seasoned with sherry wine in Jerez De La Frontera, Spain.
Natural Colour
All colour in The Macallan whiskies, bottled by the distillery, is natural. Only the interaction of the ‘new make’ spirit with the oak of the maturation casks delivers the rich and natural diversity of colour throughout the range, from light oak through to darkest mahogany. These natural colours remain ‘fixed’, as opposed to artificial colour which fades relatively quickly in bright sunlight. Great skill is required by the Master Whisky Maker to achieve consistency of natural colour from bottling to bottling.
Mastery
Heritage, craftmanship and creativity, an uncompromising commitment to excellence, our people and their mastery define The Macallan.