SPIRIT DETAIL

BRAND: Speymalt from Macallan Distillery

CLASSIFICATION: Single Malt Scotch

AGE: 15 year

MASH BILL: 100% malted barley

ALCOHOLIC CONTENT: 59.80% ABV | 119.60 proof

CASK INFO: First fill sherry hogshead | #16601101

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Sweet stewed raisins, citrus peel, oloroso sherry, toffee, praline, peanut brittle, chocolate raspberry, caramelized peaches, maple, brown sugar, toasted oak

PALATE: Viscous, slight light pepper, raspberry, orange, clove spice, subtle orchard fruits, plums, roasted hazelnut, chocolate figs

FINISH: Silky tannins, toasted nuts, dark chocolate, long, lingering, chewy, dark roast espresso, dark pitted dates

BEHIND THE BOTTLE

Little bit of history: During the 1930s and 1940s it was a rough time for whisky distillers. The Great Depression combined with the Second World War took a huge toll on the industry and many distilleries didn’t survive. Back then Macallan, amongst many other distilleries, were lent a helping hand by Gordon & MacPhail who continued to buy their regular order of stock even during the hard times. With Macallan, the loyalty was well rewarded. Decades later, when things in the industry turned around, Gordon & MacPhail have enjoyed special access to high quality Macallan casks, while Macallan don’t often share their distillate or casks.

Ylli’s story with Gordon & MacPhail starts in Las Vegas at the Universal Whisky Experience few years ago. Ylli has been extraordinarily fortunate to have shared many memorable moments with none other than Richard Urquhart, the fourth-generation owner of Gordon & MacPhail. Their encounters have spanned across the globe, from dinners in the heart of London to once-in-a-lifetime tastings in Las Vegas. Perhaps the most remarkable highlight was when Ylli orchestrated Richard's visit to Alaska, marking the grand launch of Gordon & MacPhail in the Alaskan market. Over the course of these encounters, a bond was forged. From the many martinis in Vegas, the occasional shots of Patron—courtesy of the Glenturret boys—, to countless fancy dinners and exceptional drams, Ylli and Richard became more than just acquaintances, they became friends.

Throughout all this, one thing remained constant - Ylli’s unyielding passion for whisky. His fervor mirrored that of Gordon & MacPhail's relationship with Macallan, and this led to Ylli being given an extraordinary opportunity. Richard offered Ylli the chance to purchase a Macallan cask - an offer that you simply cannot refuse. So Ylli did what anyone with a love for whisky would do, he said yes to the dress. What makes this even more exceptional is that only three casks were offered in the entire USA in 2023. The fact that Alaska was chosen to receive such an opportunity speaks volumes about the special relationship that Ylli has nurtured with Richard and the team at Gordon & MacPhail.

EDITOR’S NOTES: The story is long enough without me getting to chime in about THE Macallan, but anyone who’s talked to me (Long) knows that Macallan is what started it all… There’s never been a 15 first-fill euro sherry hogs single barrel Maca in recent years… if you’re a Maca fan, this cask strength expression is a must. Lord knows we had to keep the tasting notes short…because she’s got legs.

$259.99

AVAILABLE NOW AT ALLOCATED!