Macallan 52-Year-Old Released From Duncan Taylor Scotch Rarest Collection Vaults

by Gary Carter
January 11, 2023

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, a specialist spirits purveyor out of the UK, recently announced an exclusive single malt release from its ‘Rarest Collection,’ a Macallan 52-Year-Old.

The rare and limited release spent more than five decades under the curation of Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky until it reached peak maturation before being bottled.

The journey of this 52-Year-Old Macallan Single Malt started in 1969, when it was barrelled for the custodians of Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky. For decades, it aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels until it was barrelled again into first fill ex-Oloroso Sherry casks.

Duncan Taylor Macallan 52 Year Old — Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, a specialist spirits purveyor out of the UK, recently announced an exclusive single malt release from its ‘Rarest Collection,’ a Macallan 52-Year-Old. (image via Duncan Taylor)

The double maturation brought the whisky to 82.92 proof, and the blender’s notes show that the whisky delivers aromas and tastes of dark chocolate with hints of cinnamon and spices, honeyed and creamy vanilla. The finish is creamy and sweet, with tropical notes.

The 52-Year-Old is made from 100% malted barley and bottled at natural cask strength without chill filtration or artificial coloring. The rare whisky is the product of a single cask distilled at the Macallan Distillery in 1969.

This edition’s bottle design takes inspiration from the historical battlefields around Duncan Taylor’s Huntly headquarters. The handmade crystal decanter is designed around the shape of a ‘dirk,’ a Scottish dagger of old.

The decanter rests in a bespoke, European oak cabinet with herringbone detailing, made in Scotland by cabinet makers to reflect the old-style weapons cabinets.

“It’s an incredible privilege to be the custodian of these stunning, rare Macallan casks,” said Chairman Euan Shand in a statement. “This is the start of an exciting chapter at Duncan Taylor as we plan to release more Macallan over time, as well as a selection of other rare malts from the 1960s.”