The Macallan
Craigellachie, Speyside. Founded 1824.
Macallan is one of the world's best known - and by value best selling - Scottish single malt whiskies. Founded in 1824, it has become a marker of prestige and quality since the distillery placed a focus on ex-sherry casks in the '70s.
That focus has continued into the present, with some reports suggesting that as many of 97% of casks filled at the distillery in the present day are sherry-seasoned before being filled with whisky.
In 2017 Macallan’s owners Edrington Group commissioned a new distillery building complete with 12 wash stills 24 spirits stills that will increase production capacity from 11 million litres a year to 15 million. It was opened in May 2018 and was believed to cost £140m - the old distillery building closed December 2018.
Macallan's new make spirit is rich and oily and takes time to mature in their sherry seasoned casks, often the best expressions are in the teenage years.