

A focus on single maltĪlthough Macallan is now known as the epitome of single malt whiskey, this wasn’t always the case. He owned Macallan until 1892. Afterwards, Stuart sold the brand to Roderick Kemp, who was an integral part of the whiskey industry. In 1996, ownership was transitioned over to Edrington, which helped establish the current distillery. However, the brand has switched ownership a few times over its long history. In 1868, just over 40 years after Alexander Reid started his business, a man named James Stuart took over. Macallan is currently under the ownership of Glasgow-based company, Edrington. Eleven years later, a brand new stillhouse was built, this time armed with 12 stills. By 1975, the distillery was home to 21 stills, allowing for a quicker production process which yields more bottles. Today, the distillery sits in the 485-acre Easter Elchies estate in Speyside, Scotland. The distillery growsĪt the beginning of Reid’s venture, the distillery in Speyside was a mere wooden shed with only two stills. In 1954, it grew into a 5-still distillery. Legally, this is the year where Macallan was birthed. The name Macallan itself comes from two Gaelic words: “magh” meaning a firtile land, and “ellan” a derivative of St Fillan, who was a monk spreading Christianity in Scotland in the 18th century.
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He originally produced whiskey at Speyside distillery in Scotland in the early 1820’s. It wasn’t until 1824 that Reid received his official license to manufacture and sell whiskey commercially. Macallan wouldn’t be here today if not for Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and teacher. Take a look behind the history of this beloved brand. Throughout the years, Macallan has honed their craft in creating only the most exceptional single malt whiskey. Establishing a competitive brand of high renown and perfecting the craft of whiskey production is not an overnight feat. The distillery itself won the 2019 RIAS Andrew Doolan award for the Best Building in Scotland. Throughout Macallan’s history, multiple bottles have won awards. They’re lauded for their liquor which abounds in flavours of sherry, vanilla, and caramel, from aging in rare oak casks.

The distillery has produced the best quality single malts since the 1800’s. A mark of luxury and prestige, Macallan is the world’s fifth most selling whiskey. In the world of single malt whiskey, fewer brands do it better than Macallan.
