The Macallan Launches Sherry Oak 40 Years Old Rare Single Malt

Just 465 bottles to be released worldwide, following the successful 2016 release.

The Macallan, the world’s most admired single malt Scotch whisky, unveils its latest exceptional whisky in the coveted Sherry Oak range, The Macallan 40 Years Old. This highly collectible, limited-release whisky represents only the third non-vintage release of a 40 year old expression to come from the iconic Speyside distillery, and will be sought after by connoisseurs around the world. The Sherry Oak 40 years old reveals the unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit, for which The Macallan has been known since it was established in 1824 and marks the pinnacle of the Sherry Oak Range.

Exclusively matured in hand-picked Oloroso sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, this rich and intense single malt is a testament to The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks, which are sourced, crafted and seasoned under the watchful eye of the Master of Wood and delivered to the demanding specifications of the Master Distiller and his team.

Once filled, the maturing spirit has remained undisturbed in the same casks for 40 years and it is these oak casks that are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, natural color and distinctive aromas and flavors which lie at the heart of this rare Macallan single malt whisky.

When matured exclusively in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, the robust, fruity and full bodied ‘new make’ spirit is transformed into a whisky of great richness and character. Crafted from an intriguing combination of three casks—2 sherry butts and 1 sherry hogshead, The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old is a rich and complex whisky displaying a natural deep copper color.

On the nose there are hints of sultanas, gingers and wood spice against a backdrop of sweet cinnamon and citrus, while the palate opens with soft cinnamon spices leading into date and figs, before giving way to a long, rich finish with a lingering cinnamon spice.

The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 Years Old Rare Single Malt

“After a gentle slumber for over 40 years in our exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks, this rare single malt is full of rich flavor and a beautiful natural color. The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old is an outstanding and distinctive addition to our collection of unique, mature whiskies and is testament to our enduring desire to create peerless single malts. We invest more in sherry seasoned casks than any other distillery in sourcing, crafting, seasoning and caring for our casks to create the depth, complexity and richness of flavor for which The Macallan is renowned.”
– Nick Savage, The Macallan Master Distiller

The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 Years Old Rare Single Malt

The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old forms part of The Macallan Sherry Oak Range which features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. Each expression is characterized by spice, dried fruits and mature oak with a depth of flavor developing through the range.

To create The Macallan Sherry Oak Range, The Macallan works very closely with fully integrated ‘tree to finished seasoned cask’ companies in Spain, to identify the oak trees, fell them sustainably, saw and air dry the oak staves, before shipping them to Jerez in southern Spain for further air-drying to reduce the moisture further still. The casks are then crafted and seasoned for 18 months with dry Oloroso sherry, before making the journey up to Scotland where they are filled with The Macallan ‘new make’ spirit to mature for decades.

The 2017 release will be available starting in late December 2017 and will be limited to 465 bottles worldwide, with only 70 bottles allocated to the USA at a suggested retail price of approximately $9,000.

For more information, visit TheMacallan.com.