‘What makes our whisky such an exceptional product is that
it has evolved over centuries,’ explains Dr Nick Savage,
Master Distiller at The Macallan, the historic distillery on Speyside, Scotland.
While whisky is now an established luxury product, The Macallan is especially prized by connoisseurs and collectors. Savage traces the reasons for this back to the distillation process.
‘Our spirit stills are very
small within the industry, and they’re also short, which helps
us to generate a quite heavy, viscous new-mix spirit liquid,’ he explains. ‘We spend
twice as much on our oak casks as we do on our malt, which
shows you where our emphasis is.’
Trying to map out the interactive behaviour of all the compounds
that are generated during the distillation process — those drawn from a cask, and those from the distillery
— and how they break down and develop over a period of time
is, admits Savage, ‘as near as dammit impossible’.
‘Age can play a part, but it is the rarity of a bottle or a single cask that really drives collectability’ — Dr. Nick Savage
The Master Distiller insists the most important thing is to appreciate that whisky is made to be enjoyed, and to be savoured as part of an occasion. But he is also keenly aware that some releases can become
highly collectible.
Read more about the unique 1926 bottle of the Macallan whisky being offered at Christie’s in November
‘Age can play a part, but the rarity of a bottle or a single cask really drives
the collectability,’ he explains, ‘because only a few people can enjoy that
liquid at some point in time.’ Here, then, are 10 whiskies by The
Macallan that Dr. Nick Savage recommends.
Historic
The Macallan in Lalique 72 Years Old — The Genesis Decanter
‘The oldest ever Macallan to be released is a taste of history,
and a phenomenal taste experience. It’s both humbling and
a privilege to even be associated with a whisky such as this,
and what it will represent for The Macallan.’
The Macallan Distillery Launch Dram
‘The whisky team delivered a very special dram for the opening
of the new distillery in 2018. Working through some amazing
aged stock, an exclusive whisky was developed specially for
the launch event. This whisky was limited to only 20 bottles
and was an amazing expression of The Macallan with a character
steeped in history, as well as marking an important moment in the history of the brand.’
The Macallan 50 years old
‘For this particular aged Macallan the style was subtle and
complex and almost refreshing in parts, but with a phenomenal
body and distinct characters. The blackcurrant notes
and subtle hints of peat make this one of my all-time favourites.’
[In our Finest & Rarest Wines & Spirits sale on 28-29 November in London, lot 305 is a 2018 release of The Macallan 50 Years Old, which is presented in a solid oak presentation case. Number 7 of a limited-edition release of 200 bottles, this bottle is signed by Dr Nick Savage. Estimate: £25,000-45,000.]
Personal experience
The Macallan 18 years old Gran Reserva 1979
‘When I started with The Macallan, this was the very first dram I had at a dinner in our spiritual home, Easter Elchies
House, and showcased aged Macallan to me for the very first
time.’
The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old
‘This was one of the very first drams of The Macallan I tasted
in the sample room, and I’ve never looked back. It’s got
that classic Macallan fruit cake in a glass flavour and, for
me, it’s unbeatable.’
The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection
‘Whisky from the Fine & Rare collection is always special.
The different cask types, distilling styles and breadth of
ages really lend to the experience. When I taste drams from
the years my parents were born or, say, the year my grandad
returned home from the war, they stop me in my tracks. A
dram of Fine & Rare can be quite moving.’
[Lot 311 in our November sale in London is a unique set of the first 13 releases of The Macallan Exceptional Single Cask from 2017 that comes with a private tour and whisky tasting experience on The Macallan Estate. Estimate £30,000-50,000.]
From the current range
The Macallan Enigma
‘The pinnacle of our Global Travel Retail range is a great
“classic Macallan-style-and-cask story”, articulated through
a character-led whisky.’
The Macallan in Lalique M Black
‘An exciting new part of the decanter range, this dram will develop
over the coming years as the team explores maturity and the
influence of peat.’
Rare Cask
‘Rare Cask provides an amazing experience — deep dried fruits
and spices combined with the full body for a dram that showcases
everything about The Macallan in a single glass.’
Sign up today
Christie's Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week
Subscribe
And finally
Exceptional Single Cask range
‘Although still a relatively new series of products, our Exceptional Single Cask range has been amazing to work through, and in
the coming year there will be some casks with really distinct
and complex characters coming to market. I really enjoyed
working with the whisky-making team to discuss our individual
preferences and styles in order to showcase The Macallan,
and bring a truly exceptional drinking experience to every
dram. Look out for something ultra-exceptional in the not too distant future!’