Macallan

One of the world’s most prestigious distilleries.

The Macallan distillery was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid, a schoolmaster and barley farmer. The word “Macallan” derives from the Gaelic word “Magh”, meaning fertile ground, and “Ellan”, a reference to the monk St. Fillan, closely associated to the church that proudly stood on the grounds of the Macallan estate until the XV century.

Located in the Speyside area, a sub-region of the Highlands, the Macallan headquarters presides over a 158-hectare estate of striking natural beauty, 36 hectares of which are dedicated to growing the famous Minstrel barley, a low-yielding, high-quality variety that is one of the key features of the Macallan whisky.

Speaking of key features, one should not forget the 24 curiously small copper stills (as the company describes them) used by the distillery, which are among the smallest in the Speyside area. The reduced size maximizes copper and spirit contact, which in turn helps to produce a rounder, smoother and richer spirit, giving it the distinctive flavour that characterizes the Macallan whiskies.

As regards wood ageing, the Macallan distillery prouds itself in honouring the best Scotch whisky traditions by using mostly Sherry seasoned oak casks, sourced from the very best bodegas of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Those casks, thought to be the best recipients to age Scotch whisky, give it a distinctively unique flavour and elegance. On top of that, only 16% of the distilled spirit is used by the Macallan distillery.

Finally, a word must be said about the new Macallan headquarters, a stunning, environmentally-friendly building designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners to mimic the surrounding landscape, thus achieving maximum integration within its surroundings and creating an awe-inspiring aesthetic experience for whisky lovers and visitors from all over the world.

Year of foundation: 1824
Address: Easter Elchies, Craigellachie
City: Moray
Province: Escocia
Zip code: AB38 9RX
Country: Reino Unido
Phone number: +44 (0)1340 318 000
www.themacallan.com
Guided visits? Yes
Wine tourism services? Yes