The revered name of The Macallan resonates deeply in the spirits industry, especially as the Speyside legend marks a significant milestone – 200 years of distilling excellence. This year, The Macallan has raised the bar exceptionally high, already introducing some of the most ambitious bottles of Scotch, including a 73-year-old single malt that retails at $89,000. However, the distillery’s latest release eclipses all previous records with its price tag and historic significance.
Introducing TIME: SPACE, a dual-chambered vessel retailing at a staggering $190,000, this release is bound to capture the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike. The vessel, limited to 200 units, resembles a flying saucer and contains two distinct Scotch expressions. The outer ring holds the oldest whisky ever released by The Macallan, while the inner circle features one of its youngest, symbolizing the distillery’s storied past and its forward-looking future. This oak sculpture, merging American and European oak, splendidly showcases the whisky’s natural color.
The first of these expressions is an 84-year-old single malt from 1940, aged in first-fill American oak and second-fill sherry-seasoned European oak casks, boasting an alcohol volume of 43.4%. It offers a rich sensory experience with tasting notes of dark chocolate-coated ginger, sticky dates, oak, leather, charred pineapple, baked peaches, crystallized ginger, aniseed, blackberry jam, and sweet woodsmoke.
Paired with this venerable vintage is a contrasting 2018 Scotch, bottled at 54.6% ABV. This younger sibling features aromas of apple, pear, and vanilla custard with a palate of golden sultanas, baked apples, and hints of lemon, lime, and vanilla, marking a bright continuation of The Macallan’s legacy.
Kirsteen Campbell, The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, reflects on the selection process, particularly the excitement around choosing a younger cask from the 2018 production year, the first at their new distillery. This selection emphasizes the distillery’s commitment to maintaining the character of its whiskies through a blend of art and science.
For those who find the $190,000 price a bit steep, The Macallan offers a more accessible alternative with TIME: SPACE Mastery, priced at $1,400. This expression is aged in a mix of 14 different casks and presented in a similar circular vessel, symbolizing a continued commitment to innovation and quality.
The release of one of the most expensive whisky in the world TIME: SPACE not only underscores The Macallan’s legacy of crafting ultra-aged whiskies but also reaffirms its position at the forefront of the Scotch whisky market. As The Macallan continues to celebrate its 200th year, its impact on the spirits world remains as profound as ever, promising more legendary releases that blend the rich history of Scotch whisky with modern innovation.
