The Macallan Debuts A 77 Year Old Scotch

The Macallan distillery in Scotland recently debuted a 77 year old Scotch single malt whisky as part of its The Red Collection, making it one of the oldest bottlings ever released by the brand.

The new The Macallan 77 Years Old, according to those behind it, was distilled back in 1945 in the distillery’s signature small copper stills before being laid down to rest for over seven decades in hand-picked oak casks. Over time, it is said, “the carefully selected wood has shaped the unique character of the whisky, delivering the natural colour, distinctive aromas and full flavours of this aged single malt.”

“The Macallan 77 Years Old is an incredible new high aged guest expression for The Red Collection, which has been crafted from some of the world’s oldest and rarest casks,” said The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell, in a prepared statement. “It is a peerless single malt whisky that has slowly matured over seven extraordinary decades until it reached peak perfection.

“This exquisite release reveals The Macallan’s legacy of incomparable craftsmanship, knowledge and skills nurtured by The Macallan’s master whisky makers, past and present. It is a great privilege to play a role in crafting the remarkable single malts which form The Red Collection today.”

In keeping with previous releases in the collection, the new expression is encased in a handcrafted oak presentation box, created in the UK, using the same sustainable European oak used to craft The Macallan’s oak casks. The box has been upholstered with sustainably sourced, soft red Scottish leather from Bridge of Weir Leather. The bottle itself has been hand finished and signed by Campbell.

The Macallan 77 Years Old prices at US$87,000 / £65,500 for the 70cl bottle and is available from The Macallan Estate Boutique and The Macallan’s global network of domestic and travel retail outlets and in countries around the world. Official tasting notes are below.

• ABV: 43.2%
• Colour: Golden oak and 100% natural.
• Nose: Extremely rich and resinous, antique oak, raisins and dates, citrus fruits, cherry pie and hints of woodsmoke.
• Palate: Pineapple, demerara sugar, crystalised ginger, treacle, intense dried fruits, woodsmoke, antique oak, marmalade, baked custard moving into dried fruits.
• Finish: Long with sweet woodsmoke, Bakewell pie and tropical fruits.