The Macallan Debuts A Shockingly Old 72 Year Old Scotch Whisky For $60k

Oh The Macallan. You’ve been the luxury Scotch whisky brand this year to beat it seems like, as we just talked about the other day for having some of your older bottlings break world whisky auction records. And there’s also your brand new nearly $190 million distillery you just opened. Oh wait, now there’s more you say? A new 72 year old whisky you’ve just debuted practically out of nowhere? Oh my!

Yes, you did read that right. The Macallan kicked out an email today to folks on its mailing list with word of The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique. Also known as the The Genesis Decanter, it is said this whisky is inspired by the new distillery itself and is the oldest single malt whisky it has ever released. It is presented in a unique and bespoke Lalique crystal decanter and presentation wooden case. More specifically, according to The Macallan,

Lalique has captured the character of the new Distillery in crystal, with the horizon of the decanter rising and falling in reflection of the roofline and incorporating the clean lines and natural curves. Each decanter is encased in a bespoke presentation case inspired by the interior of the Distillery, with a curved wooden roof over the decanter, and a footprint taken directly from the circular layout of the three new still houses. Designed by Burgess Studio, the case is handcrafted from the finest materials and sustainably sourced timbers, by The Royal Warrant holding cabinet makers, NEJ Stevenson.

The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique was originally distilled in the 1940s (post World War II), and recently bottled at 42% ABV. It is limited to 600 individually numbered decanters worldwide, and will be made available in August at select locations globally including the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa; and will also be available in exclusive airport retail stores and from The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience itself.

“For its seventy-two years of maturation, the deceptively light colour hints that this is not an ordinary single malt,” said Nick Savage, The Macallan Master Distiller, in a prepared statement. “Reminiscent of a time gone by, it carries an exquisite balance of strong, sweet oak with the peaty spirit shaping its refined character. The whisky delivers surprise after surprise as aromas of fruit follow distinctive hints of peat, all the way through to the back of the mouth where it is finished off with a lingering hint of rich fruit and oak. Although delicate throughout all aspects, it provides an intense experience which acknowledges the distinguished history of The Macallan.”

You’ll find official tasting notes for the The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique Scotch whisky below from the distillery for your consideration. As for pricing, a 65 year old The Macallan in a Lalique decanter priced for around $33,000 USD back in 2016, so it therefore makes sense this would officially price at $60,000 USD coming out of the United Kingdom (this price may vary somewhat depending upon the various markets it is released in. For example, it will be $65,000 in the United States).

• Nose: A delicate peat starts, leading to a soft, aged oak smoke. A body of refreshing citrus lemons and green apples, with a background of vanilla pods and raisins, with the smallest hint of ginger.
• Palate: Delicate peat smoke combines with a soft vanilla, and a surprising sweet oak smoke. A gentle wood spice combines with a delicate peat smoke, which gradually fades to leave a viscous mouth coating of citrus fruits and subtle green apples.
• Finish: Medium and fruity, with a sweet oaky mouth feel.