A Phenomenal Experience – The new Macallan Distillery
Spirits Platform recently took a group of six customers to visit the new Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience located at the heart of The Macallan Estate to get an insight into the process, production, people and passion that makes The Macallan single malt whisky so special.
Attending the trip were Gareth Retallick from Hippo & Co, ACT, Luckee Kohli from Mulgrave Cellars, VIC, Samuel Cufone from Parafield Liquor, SA, John Cassimatis from Liquor on Oxford, NSW, Waldo Smit, Nick’s Wine Merchants, VIC and Nathan Blount from Bar Lafayette, WA.
Joining them from the Spirits Platform Team were Phil Mack, Key Account Manager, Casey Gray, QLD BDM and Johnny Lee, NSW BDM and Adam Trewin, Commercial Director.
The group visited a few distilleries in Scotland, including Glenturret and Glenrothes before heading off for the highlight of the trip – The new Macallan Distillery, situated on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by a 485-acre estate with Easter Elchies House at its heart.
The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then they have built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland – and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship.
The Macallan distillery was founded by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher. The original name of the area was “Maghellan”, taken from the Gallic word “magh”, meaning fertile ground and “Ellan”, from the Monk St. Fillan – who held a close association with the church that stood in the grounds of The Macallan Estate until 1400. Farmers had been making whisky on their Speyside farms in the area for centuries, using their surplus barley during the quieter winter months.
The reputation of The Macallan is built on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles. From place to process, people and passion, the Six Pillars are the backdrop to The Macallan’s unique spirit.
The team were taken on a VIP Tour of The Macallan Distillery which included, nosing, tasting and education from the highly knowledgeable, experienced and passionate Distillery staff. The evening ended the tour with dinner at Easter Elchie’s House.
“Some of us had been to the old distillery, however, this was something on a completely different level”, explained Phil. He recommended that it’s a “must-do” for all whisky connoisseurs or industry folk. “Just to go and have a tour, enjoy the experience, it’s a distillery like no other” Phil remarked.
The team’s experience of seeing the new Macallan distillery, which was one of the most incredible structures they had ever seen left them all speechless. The weather in Scotland wasn’t as bad as the Scots complain about either. But even in the rain, Scotland was incredibly beautiful.
The whole distillery is an experience, and there is some very affordable rare whisky available to purchase per nip at the bar, including Edition No.1, The No.6 and The M Decanter.
The team thought that the new Macallan distillery was out of this world. It was so impressive, and they were amazed as to the actual size of the distillery and the vast number warehouses of casks they had. They were quite surprised as to how many whisky distilleries exist in such a small geographical area. Everyone was impressed by the Tour Guides – they covered everything, and they were able to taste anything on offer.
When we asked the team what their favourite dram was, they found it difficult to narrow it down to one. Here’s what they said:
Casey Gray: “Being able to try some of the Macallan straight from the cask, pre-bottling sample room whisky at Easter Elchies House will be something they will never forget. Sample Room Cask Strength 18YO, 25YO Sherry Cask & Sample Room Cask Strength Reflexion”.
Phil Mack: “We tasted a few incredible whiskies on the trip, some in bars in Glasgow, but tasting a sample room version of Macallan Reflexion in Easter Elchies House topped it for me”.
John Lee: “I couldn’t pick a favourite but the chance to try the 25yo and Reflexion at Easter Elchies House was amazing”.
Each of the team members had quite diverse lasting memories, from the grandeur of the structure of the new distillery, to seeing the groups faces walking around the Macallan distillery. One thing they all agreed on was that they have formed lifelong friendships with all their customers who they accompanied on the tour. They were so thankful all the way along the trip and each new tour was a bigger buzz than the one before!
Adam Trewin from Spirits Platform stated how amazing it was for him and the team to experience the new Macallan distillery with a great group of customers. “Everyone was very impressed with the tour. It really opens your eyes to the quality and time that goes into every bottle of The Macallan. It was a massive success and I look forward to taking other loyal customers over to share in the experience”.
When asked to describe The Macallan Distillery in one word: Phenomenal! Spectacular! Incredible were just a few adjectives that were flying around!!
Here are a few details on the different Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experiences you can do.
THE MACALLAN SIX PILLARS TOUR
Join one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides to learn about the foundation stones that underpin the character of The Macallan and how we create The Macallan’s rich spirit; from the strong sense of place at the heart of The Macallan estate to our long experience of distilling and maturing a single malt whisky. After discovering how our unparalleled investment in the finest casks contributes to the natural colours, aromas and flavours that set The Macallan apart, you will experience a nosing and tasting of some carefully selected Macallan whiskies – as well as their very foundation, our wonderfully rich new make spirit.
The shop at The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience is open to everyone who comes to The Macallan’s brand home and tour reservations are not necessary to browse or buy from the shop during your visit.
For more information on The Macallan Distillery Visitor Experience, click here
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