Toronto, ON – The Macallan has released Double Cask 15 Years Old and Double Cask 18 Years Old in a significant expansion of its highly successful Double Cask range.
First introduced in 2016 with The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, the enticing collection is formed from a harmonious union of American and European oak sherry-seasoned casks. Together they combine to create a perfectly balanced single malt Scotch whisky with a distinctive warm character that is punctuated with a contemporary soft sweetness.
Double Cask tells the story of a journey which brings together two different worlds. The voyage begins in the vast green forests of northern Spain and the French Pyrenees, where The Macallan sources its European oak. New oak from the lush forests of Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky in America is also transported thousands of miles to Spain, where both types of oak are hand crafted into casks that are filled with sherry.
Once seasoned, the casks are shipped to The Macallan Estate on Speyside where they are filled with new-make spirit. Following years of slumber, The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team use their skill and expertise to select the best balance of spirit from both the American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to create Double Cask.
The result is a perfect partnership, with the sherry-seasoned American oak imparting delicate flavours of vanilla, while the European oak delivers the subtle and unmistakeable spice and classic style of The Macallan.
The incredible wood journey which underpins Double Cask was recently showcased by a collaboration with iconic Magnum photographer Steve McCurry, who travelled across continents to witness The Macallan’s decisive story unfold. His exclusive photographic journal documents the people, places, skills and processes involved in the production of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks.
“These new expressions will significantly enhance the existing Double Cask range, which lies at the heart of The Macallan’s portfolio of single malts. The Macallan always excels in taking things beyond the ordinary and making them extraordinary. The have successfully done it again with these two marques," says Nicolas Villalon, Edrington Area Manager for Eastern Canada
Displaying a golden butterscotch hue, The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old imparts aromas of dried fruit, toffee and vanilla, and delivers a warming finish with a creamy mouthfeel.
The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old has a rich amber honey tone, and imparts notes of dried fruits, ginger and toffee. A warm oak spice finish is balanced by citrus flavours of sweet orange.
Cameron Millar, The Macallan Brand Ambassador says, “Nothing compares to a whisky that brings the comfort of something familiar yet delivers beyond expectations. That is what you get from the new The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old and The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old. They are simply sublime.”
Oak influence is the single greatest contributor to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours at the heart of The Macallan’s single malts.
The new Double Cask expressions demonstrate The Macallan’s enduring desire to create peerless single malts.
The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old will be available in 750mL bottles (43% ABV) at a suggested retail price of $199.95 and The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old will be available in 750 mL bottles (43% ABV) at a suggested retail price of $419.95. Both are set to hit shelves in most major Canadian markets this month. Prices will vary by market.
For further information visit www.themacallan.com
Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old
ABV: 43%
Colour: Golden butterscotch.
Aroma: Dried fruits, toffee and vanilla with smooth oak and baked apple, balanced with notes of honey and chocolate.
Palate: Sweet raisin and sultana builds with hints of vanilla, wood spice and citrus.
Finish: Warm ginger turning to caramel and citrus with a creamy mouth feel.
Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old
ABV: 43%
Colour: Amber honey.
Aroma: Dried fruits, ginger and toffee with rich orange and hints of clove with nutmeg.
Palate: Rich raisin and sultana with notes of caramel, vanilla and ginger balanced by wood spice and zesty citrus.
Finish: Warm oak spice with ginger turning to sweet orange.
About The Macallan
Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.
In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks. The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824. The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognizing the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt.
About Edrington
Edrington owns some of the leading Scotch whisky and rum brands in the world, The Macallan is their central focus, supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the fast-growing Single Malt category and Naked in the Blended Malt category.
Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs around 3,000 people in its companies and joint venture operations worldwide, with over 70% employed overseas. The company owns its route to market in 13 countries and operates the remainder through joint venture and third-party agreements.
About BEAM SUNTORY INC.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka and Midori liqueur.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com
