Whisky Review: Macallan 10 Year Old Early 2000s

The Macallan 10 Year Old has been a staple of the distillery’s core range since the 1980s.

Until the start of the 80s, Macallan had been outsourcing its bottling to independent bottlers such as Gordon & Macphail. At the beginning of the decade, Macallan took control of bottling and distribution, and the 10 Year Olds were unveiled. Various packaging changes, as well as some short-lived collections such as the Fine Oaks, have graced the market. The 10 Year Olds from the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s have become highly sought-after on the secondary market. After all, everybody wants a piece of Macallan.

A Speyside legend, Macallan is also well known for its sherry casks, the influence of which can be seen in the deep amber color of this whisky. The most recent variation of the Macallan 10 Year Old is called the Sherry Casks.

A Brief History of Macallan

The Macallan distillery was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid, located in Craigellachie, Speyside, Scotland. Initially a small distillery, Macallan earned its reputation for quality and craftsmanship, leveraging the natural resources of its Highland location—particularly the waters of the River Spey and its own traditional floor maltings.

Macallan’s significant development came in the 20th century when it adopted the exclusive use of sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, for maturation—a practice that would come to define the rich, robust flavor profile synonymous with its whiskies. This commitment to quality and the distinctiveness of sherry cask maturation distinguished Macallan in the crowded marketplace of single malts.

In 2024, Macallan is celebrating its 200th anniversary, having been granted its legal distilling license in 1824. The distillery has already unveiled the Macallan Horizon in collaboration with Bentley. What else can we expect from Macallan in 2024? Only time will tell.