Macallan Releases World’s Oldest Whisky

Speyside distillery The Macallan has unveiled two new whiskies as part of its Time: Space Collection, including the world’s oldest single malt.

In a continuation of its ‘200 Years Young’ celebrations, The Macallan has unveiled the Time: Space Collection – two new releases that pay homage to the brand’s interpretation of time travel through whisky mastery. Each release is presented in bespoke vessels created through ‘cutting edge’ engineering and ancient craftsmanship.

The first release, called Time: Space, is a dual chamber vessel that includes the oldest whisky released by The Macallan at 84-years-old, which is housed in the outer chamber. Representing the past, this expression has been aged in two casks: a first fill American oak butt and a second fill European oak butt – both seasoned with Sherry in Jerez de la Frontera, and matured in Speyside, Scotland.

Bottled at 43.4% ABV, the 84 year maturation has produced a rich natural colour, and brings ‘exceptional depth’ as well as richness and full, long-lasting flavour unique to this rare, aged single malt Scotch whisky.

Notes of charred pineapple and baked peaches leading to crystalised ginger, hints of aniseed, blackberry jam and sweet woodsmoke can be picked up, alongside rich resinous notes that linger on the palate alongside caramelised sugar, before giving way to hints of dark chocolate and toasted oak on the finish.

Time: Space is presented in a dual chamber vessel

In the central chamber is a second single malt that marks the first from the Macallan’s new distillery – a vintage from 2018.

The five-year-old liquid has notes of golden sultanas and baked apples on the palate, which develop into buttery pastry dusted in icing sugar. Hints of lemon and lime follow, alongside vanilla shortbread. It offers a medium finish, which is both creamy and sweet with oak. The vessel housing the liquid is displayed in an oak sculpture that the brand said has been purposefully designed to ‘accentuate the 100% natural colour of the whisky’.

Alternate layers of American oak and European oak were selected to craft the display sculpture, as a homage to the brand’s commitment to Sherry seasoned oak casks. With only 200 in existence, one for each year of The Macallan’s History, this dual expression is said to capture the essence of time travel.

The Macallan’s master whisky maker, Kirsteen Campbell, , commented: “It was an absolute privilege to be able to reach back in time and select stock from the 1940’s to honour and celebrate our 200 year anniversary.

“As a whisky mastery team, our roles are unique in the sense that we get to time travel – selecting whisky from the past crafted by our predecessors, whilst simultaneously laying down casks for future generations of whisky makers and consumers. To nose, taste and select whisky created over eight decades ago is an exceptionally rare occasion in the life of a whisky maker and one which I will treasure.

“For the 2018 vintage, the prospect of selecting a younger cask created a lot of excitement in the sample room – it is an opportunity to give others an insight into The Macallan’s future. This marked the first year of production in our new distillery, which is truly a significant moment to be cherished.  Through a fusion of art and science we have ensured the continuity of the character of our whisky.”

The Macallan’s Time: Space is available to purchase only by invitation from The Macallan, with price available upon application.

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