Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Lydia Martin
People drink whiskey because of its many benefits, such as controlling diabetes, losing weight, and reducing stress. But with a bottle of Macallan Whiskey, the benefits aren’t just the reason it gained popularity – it’s the exceptional taste it offers.
Our team made this ultimate guide to help you decide which Macallan label suits your tastes, preferences, and prices.
All About Macallan Whiskey
he Macallan is a distinguished name in the world of Scotch whisky, renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship and exceptional quality. The Macallan offers a range of expressions, each reflecting a unique character and aging process.
Among them, the Macallan 12 stands out as a classic choice, known for its rich flavors and smooth finish.
For those seeking a more aged and refined experience, the Macallan 18 is highly regarded, showcasing the brand’s dedication to using the finest sherry-seasoned oak casks. For enthusiasts interested in the pinnacle of luxury, the Macallan Whisky 25 is a prestigious option, representing the epitome of the brand’s artistry and expertise.
The Macallan’s extensive range caters to a variety of preferences and occasions, with prices ranging from the accessible Macallan 12 to the exclusive and highly sought-after Macallan Whisky 72 Year-Old.
In the United States, the prices for these expressions may vary, offering enthusiasts a chance to explore the world of Macallan with options that suit both taste and budget.
Macallan Whiskey: A Brief History
In 1824, Alexander Reid founded Macallan, one of the most famous and original distilling farms of Scottish Highlands by the Speyside in Scotland. He was a barley farmer and a school teacher. Yet, his company became one of the first distilling farms to receive a legal license in Scotland.
It used to be a contributor malt for blends such as The Famous Grouse. However, when it faced the Whiskey Lock and downturn in the blended malt industry, the company emerged to meet the demands for single malts.
It started to create a distinctive old single malt style, which later turned Macallan into a staple scotch whiskey brand on the market.
How It’s Made
Macallan Whiskey is made of malted barley, water, and yeast, creating an exceptional flavor and taste. This brand is also one of the first distilleries in Scotland to recognize single malt’s marketability, flavor, and general sexiness.
The Macallan distillery has its own Master of Wood. He dries and shapes the distillery at a Spanish cooperage and seasons them with Oloroso sherry, contributing richness to the final product. This process is about ten times more expensive than most oak-barrel production. [1]
How To Drink Macallan Whiskey
To drink Macallan whiskey, we recommend drinking it at room temperature rather than chilled if you want to maximize its flavor. You may drink it neat to experience its natural taste.
Adding water or ice cubes may lower its ABV/alcohol content. Still, if you prefer having it chilled, it is recommended to use a large chunk of ice since it would most likely melt more slowly.
Swirl the scotch whiskey around the glassware, sniff it from time to time to enjoy its extraordinary aroma. Remember to breathe in through your nose right after swallowing it. You may also opt to add a mixer like bitters, ginger ale, soda, lemons, and many more.
Read: Highest Auction Price For The Most Expensive Whiskey
Popular Varieties
The brand’s quest collection consists of Lumina, Terra, Quest, and Enigma bottles. They were originally created for travel and duty-free retail, all bottled without an age statement.
They are considered as younger whiskeys with lower prices, not really on the classic line of the brand’s statement bottles. These are perfect as gifts for your friends and family.
Sherry Oak
This offers spicy, rich notes of wood, notes of light vanilla, and dried fruit. This 12-year old bottle is also one of Macallan’s most popular bottles, handpicked in Spanish oloroso sherry casks. This line also includes Macallan 18, 25, 30, and 40 years of age bottlings with 43% ABV/alcohol content, all with different prices.
Double Cask Macallan
Another world-class scotch whiskey aged in Oloroso sherry casks is the Double Cask line. Its bottles have a thinner and lighter golden color, highlighting their oak casks’ warm and woody characteristics. You’ll sense notes of toffee and notes of butterscotch mingle with candied mellow custard and orange in each bottle with 40% ABV.
Macallan released a number of limited and rare editions of scotch whiskeys/liquors at different prices, such as the Macallan 10 and The Macallan Triple Cask Matured aged 12, 15, and 18 years old, which cost from $64 to $330. Check out the best Macallan whiskeys here.
Unlike the other lines, the Macallan Triple Cask line is aged in American ex-bourbon casks and is aged in both American and Spanish oloroso sherry casks. It used to be known as Macallan Fine Oak, famous for its vibrant flavor, spirit stills, dried fruit palate, and velvety texture.
Rare Cask
Rare Casks are another no-age statement bottle from this scotch whiskey. However, it isn’t like the Quest Line that it is a younger product. Macallan’s Master Distiller handpicks this line to represent the exceptional wooden casks used in crafting this whiskey.
Master Decanter
This is another Macallan’s age statement-less bottle line. It is also somewhat more similar to the world-class Rare Cask ones. The Master Distiller personally handpicks because of their superior taste, spirit stills, and qualities.
This line includes Macallan No.6, Macallan Reflexion, Macallan M, and Macallan M Black bottled in Lalique crystal decanters.
Common Macallan Whiskey Prices
| Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
| Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak | 750 ml | 80 | $42.99 – $49.99 |
| Macallan 12-Year-Old Double Cask | 750 ml | 80 | $59.99 – $62.99 |
| Macallan 12 Years Old | 750 ml | 80 | $49.99 – $66.99 |
| Macallan 18 Year Old Fine Oak | 750 ml | 86 | $239.99 – $269.99 |
| Macallan 20 Year Old | 750 ml | 51.6 | Around $450 |
| Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak | 750 ml | 86 | $499.99 – $599.99 |
| Macallan 25 Year Old | 750 ml | 86 | $1599.99 – $1899.99 |
| Macallan 30 Year Old | 750 ml | 86 | Around $1600 |
| Macallan Whiskey Makers Edition Scotch | 750 ml | 85.6 | $86.99 – $89.99 |
| The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old | 750 ml | 86 | Around $59.99 |
| The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old | 750 ml | 86 | Around $134.99 |
| The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old | 750 ml | 86 | Around $329.99 |
| The Macallan Double Cask Gold | 750 ml | 80 | Around $65.99 |
| The Macallan M | 750 ml | 89.4 | Around $5600.00 |
| The Macallan No. 6 | 750 ml | 86 | Around $4499.99 |
| The Macallan Rare Cask | 750 ml | 86 | Around $250.00 |
| The Macallan Reflexion | 750 ml | 86 | Around $1599.99 |
| The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old | 750 ml | 80 | Around $40 |
| The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old | 750 ml | 43 | Around $299.99 |
| The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 Years Old | 750 ml | 86 | Around $1999.99 |
| The Macallan Sherry Oak 30 Years Old | 750 ml | 86 | Around $3999.99 |
| The Macallan Triple Cask Matured 12 Years Old | 750 ml | 80 | Around $64.99 |
| The Macallan Triple Cask Matured 15 Years Old | 750 ml | 86 | Around $136.99 |
| The Macallan Triple Cask Matured 18 Years Old | 750 ml | 43 | Around $329.99 |
What Makes It Expensive
Reputation
Its reputation makes this distillery expensive. Well, it shouldn’t be surprising since the Macallan Distillery has thrived to build its reputation in producing high-quality scotch whiskey lines.
Like Highland Park, this distillery had become so successful that it became a status symbol for business people and wealthy collectors. Daniel Craig, as James Bond, even drinks this liquor in Spectre. It also appears on the Bank of Scotland £10 notes, which is a lot more noteworthy.
Cask Sourcing
If there’s one thing Macallan has always been proud of, it’s finding the highest quality oak casks. Each oak stores and ages its whiskeys to perfection.
This distillery uses sherry, oak casks, and even bourbon casks in aging their whiskeys, providing complexity, spirit, and extraordinary flavors in Lalique decanters.
Being Speyside
Just being able to tag your whiskey as a Speyside spirit entails a huge boost in sales. Speyside whiskeys are always best-selling as sparkling wines, Champagne from France, and Glenlivet and Glenfiddich.
Compared To Other Brands
Balvenie
Balvenie is another Speyside whiskey owned by William Grant & Sons. The Balvenie 12-Year-Old DoubleWood Single Malt Scotch Whiskey costs around $69.99, almost the same budget range as The Double Cask Gold.
Glenlivet
The Glenlivet whiskey is competitive in price range and quality with Macallan’s 2, 14, 15, 18, 21, and 25-year bottlings. This brand is a popular single malt scotch and is the second most widely sold single malt in the world.
Glenfiddich
This is another brand owned by William Grant & Sons. It typically has a lower price range than the Macallan. The Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old bottling only costs about $35.99 for 750 ml.
Read:
Popular Macallan Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
Rob Roy
This cocktail recipe is named after Robert Roy MacGregor, a Scottish folk hero from a Broadway show.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Macallan Sherry Oak 12
- Maraschino cherry for garnishing
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
Procedure:
To concoct this recipe, just fill a glass with ice cubes to chill. On another glass, mix all the ingredients with ice and stir for about 30 seconds. Lastly, strain the mixture into the first glass and then garnish.
The Blood and Sand
Ingredients:
- 22.5 ml orange juice
- 22.5 ml cherry brandy
- 22.5 ml Double Cask 12
- 25.5 sweet vermouth
- Orange peel to garnish
Procedure:
Mix the vermouth, scotch, brandy, and orange juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake them, then strain them into chilled glassware. Garnish it with an orange peel or passion fruit.
The Rusty Nail
Ingredients:
- 1 drop orange bitters
- 2 oz Macallan 12
- ½ oz Drambuie
Procedure:
This isn’t your typical Rusty Nail recipe. Just pour the 2 oz Macallan 12 and ½ oz Drambuie into a shaker, stir the mixture, and strain over a large cube. Then, garnish it with one drop of orange bitters or a lemon twist.
FAQs
Is Macallan better than Johnnie Walker?
If you prefer a fruity-tasting whiskey, then Johnnie Walker is better. However, if you are into a smokey with a sweet end taste, a bottle of Macallan is a better choice. Overall, when it comes to high-grade status and taste, we can give this a tight race.
What is the most expensive Macallan?
The Macallan Fine and Rare 60 Year Old 1926 is the most expensive Macallan. It was from cask number 263 and was sold for a whopping $1.9 million in 2019. It was at about $63,000 per shot (25 ml).
Why is Macallan No 1 so expensive?
Macallan No. 1 is considered expensive due to its exclusivity and the exceptional quality of its contents. Limited releases, particularly those with unique cask selections and rare aging processes, contribute to the premium price of Macallan No. 1.
How much is Macallan 12 in dollars?
The price of Macallan 12 can vary based on location and market conditions. On average, in the United States, Macallan 12 may range from $60 to $90, but prices can fluctuate.
How much is Macallan 18 years whiskey?
The cost of Macallan 18 can vary significantly, with prices ranging from $200 to $700 or more, depending on the region, retailer, and specific characteristics of the bottle.
How much is Macallan worth?
The overall worth of Macallan as a brand is substantial, given its reputation for producing high-quality Scotch whiskies. The brand’s net worth is influenced by its diverse range of expressions, including both standard releases and rare, limited editions.
Is Macallan a luxury?
Yes, Macallan is often considered a luxury Scotch whisky brand, known for its commitment to craftsmanship, high-quality ingredients, and meticulous aging processes.
Is Macallan a luxury brand?
Macallan is indeed a luxury brand, celebrated for its premium Scotch whiskies and prestigious releases. The brand’s focus on excellence and the use of fine oak casks contribute to its luxury status.
What is the most expensive whiskey?
The title of the most expensive whiskey can vary, but some contenders include rare and aged expressions like The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection, which has achieved high prices at auctions.
What is most expensive Macallan?
The Macallan in Lalique: Genesis is one of the most expensive Macallan releases, with limited bottles and exceptional craftsmanship contributing to its high price tag.
Is Macallan a Scotch or whiskey?
Macallan is a Scotch whisky, specifically a Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It is crafted in Scotland and adheres to the regulations and traditions governing Scotch whisky production.
Why is Macallan 21 so expensive?
Macallan 21 is expensive due to its extended aging process in high-quality sherry-seasoned oak casks, contributing to the complexity and richness of the whisky. The rarity and exclusivity of this expression also play a role in its premium pricing.
Why is Macallan 15 so expensive?
Macallan 15’s higher price is influenced by its extended aging period and the use of premium oak casks, often sherry-seasoned. The resulting depth of flavors and the limited availability contribute to the elevated cost of Macallan 15.
In Summary
Indeed, Macallan whiskey is one of the most popular whiskey brands in the world. It may be too expensive to some, but spending a good fortune for a premium whiskey is a treasure that most people thrive on.
If you are only keen to dig further, you can even find good deals that could help you experience the brand’s wonderful spirits. With the help of this pricing guide and product list, you must have found an excellent match for your taste preference and target price range.
We hope you’ve found this guide on the whiskey Macallan price is useful. Feel free to share us to your social media accounts.
Reference:
- https://vinepair.com/articles/macallan-scotch-whisky-12-facts/
