Why is Macallan Whiskey
The first question you might ask is: Why is Macallan whiskey so expensive? We’ll answer that question by going over some of the key facts about the brand and its production, including the distillate used, casks sourced from all over the world, and a history of the Macallan’s ties to pop artist Sir Peter Blake. Read on for more. And don’t miss the witty sidebar on the brand’s pricey bottles.
The distillation process takes place over two steps. The first distillation separates the liquid alcohol from the “wash” (a mixture of barley, water, and sugar). The second distillation uses a copper pot still, which produces a low-wine. The Macallan whisky distillation process uses a very fine (small) cut of the distillate.
The Macallan uses casks sourced in different parts of the world. Wood is a key component of the cask-making process. Drying the wood properly is essential for whisky maturation, and it can be done by kiln-drying the wood, which can negatively impact the spirit’s maturation quality. Macallan uses air-drying techniques, which preserve the distinct character of the wood while maturing the spirit.
Why is Macallan Whiskey So Expensive?
The Macallan M Imperiale 6-litre Lalic decanter sold for US$628,000 in Hong Kong in January 2014. It broke the previous world record of $460,000. It is now officially part of the Macallan archive and has been committed to a private collector in Asia. The decanter was crafted by the legendary French glass-maker Lalique and took the work of 17 craftsmen. In total, the decanter was completed over 50 hours.
The Mcallan’s ties with pop artist, Sir Peter Blake, are both expensive and highly regarded. Blake has been working with the distillery since 1986, and their relationship is based on a mutual respect for craftsmanship and delivering visionary work. Blake created a bespoke label for The Macallan’s 1926 edition, and he also crafted an art piece for the distillery’s 80th birthday. Blake is a prolific and influential artist and has been involved in numerous projects, including the Hyde Park Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the ‘Future’ movie.
If you are looking for an incredible whiskey that is both collectible and rare, look no further than The Macallan. The distillery is known for its ancient releases and, in the last decade, it has released half a dozen similar offerings. For example, last year, the distillery released a bottle of fifty-year-old Macallan that sold for $35,000 per bottle. A rare specimen is one of the most expensive and sought-after whiskies on the market, and collectors often pay top dollar for the whisky.