Macallan is one of the original farm distilleries of Speyside, however from humble beginnings it has grown to be a behemoth in the global whisky scene. Founded by Alexander Reid in 1824 the original distillery was built in a wooden shed with only two stills and was one of the first distillers in Speyside to be legally licensed.

Macallan has passed through generations of owners and is now a 485-acre estate at Easter Elchies, a huge complex of distilling, warehousing and other whisky-related activity.

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.

In July 2019 a striking new subterranean visit 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 the undulating building made the shortlist for the acclaimed Stirling architecture prize.

Their new experience takes visitors through the heritage of The Macallan, a full distillery tour and a then a tasting some of their single malt whiskies in the Macallan Bar.

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.