The Macallan Pulls A 52 Year Old From Its Scotch Whisky Hat

It has, no question in mind, been a banner year for The Macallan Scotch whisky brand. A new distillery and record setting bottles sold at auction are just a couple of the high marks as 2018 winds down in the whisk(e)y world. But, wait, there’s still enough time for another major splash or two, such as word of a rare 52 year old expression just launched at retail.

The Macallan 52 Years Old, according to those behind it, is drawn from a single, first fill European oak sherry seasoned cask from Spain that was patiently aged for over five decades “in a warehouse overlooked by Easter Elchies House, The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824.” It was then bottled at 48% ABV.

“After being left to mature for fifty-two long years in one exceptional, hand crafted European oak sherry seasoned cask,” said Whisky Maker for The Macallan, Sarah Burgess, in a prepared statement, “this wonderfully rare single malt is full of rich spicy flavours and has a beautiful ruby mahogany natural colour. Bottled at an ABV of 48% where all the flavours became perfectly balanced, The Macallan 52 years old is an outstanding addition to our expanding range of unique, classic-aged whiskies and is a testament to the harmony created through the mastery of wood and spirit.”

Just 250 bottles of this ruby mahogany colored Scotch are being made available globally, pricing at £38,500, or close to $50,000 USD. It is presented in a solid oak box featuring an etched face inlaid with a matte gold badged age statement. You’ll find some official tasting notes below for your consideration.

• Nose: Rich cherry and dark chocolate layered with antique oak. Wisps of floral orange blossom combining with delicate layers of peat smoke.
• Palate: Rich fruit overlays dark chocolate fondant, wisps of peat smoke meet cinnamon and ginger from the wood spices.
• Finish: Long finish with notes of sweet oak, cherry and blackcurrant mellowing out to a floral and lightly peated finish.