Speyside /

The Macallan

Nestled above the River Spey just outside Craigellachie, the Macallan is a jewel in the crown of Speyside. Founded by Alexander Reid in 1824, the distillery is surrounded by the 485 acre Easter Elchies estate.

The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. The distillery produces a number of expressions in its core Sherry Oak series which can be found in a 12-year-old and 18-year-old version with a 10-year-old and 30 year old cask strength (58%) expression being available. Rare special releases and other small production run bottlings are released periodically and quickly become collectable.

The Macallan draws on the contributing factors of Spanish oak, North American casks and of course Scotch Whisky brought together using traditional methods and craftsmanship.

In July 2019 a new and striking visitor centre opened at the heart of the estate. Edrington Group invested £140 million new distillery and visitor experience which drew international acclaim for its bold vision and blending with the surrounding landscape. Designed by London-based Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners it made the shortlist for the Stirling Prize for excellence in architecture.

This new experience takes guests through the heritage of The Macallan which includes a full distillery tour and a sampling some of their single malt whiskies. You will be welcomed with The Macallan roast coffee and home baked scones, before exploring The Macallan Whisky Wall.

You will then be led by one of their friendly and knowledgeable hosts through the Distillery experience, including a guided tour of the iconic Cave Priveé for a tutored tasting Macallan whiskies, before visiting The Macallan Bar for a final whisky experience.

A visit to The Macallan is well worth the journey on either our single or multi-day private whisky tours.

Interestingly, there is something of a run on rare and expensive Macallans. Over the last decade the price bid at auction has pushed through the £1m barrier. As recently as February 2020 a bottle of 60 year-old 1926 Macallan with a label by Valerio Adami was sold for a hammer price US$1 million.