The Macallan 30 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Sherry Oak Cask

 

Distillery Background and History

 

The Macallan Distillery was founded in 1824 in Craigellachie, Scotland. Over the past two centuries it has become one of the most revered names in single malt Scotch whisky. The Macallan’s legacy is grounded in a deep commitment to craftsmanship, precision, and especially oak cask maturation. For its Sherry Oak range, The Macallan pioneered sourcing the finest sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, which impart profound depth, spice, and dried fruit richness to long-aged whiskies. 

 

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Producer and Master Distiller

 

Produced by The Macallan, under The Edrington Group, this expression reflects decades of accumulated expertise in cask selection, maturation management, blending and quality control. The Master Whisky Maker and Whisky Mastery Team oversee all aspects of production to preserve The Macallan’s signature style of depth, balance and complexity.

 

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Raw Materials and Terroir

 

Crafted from 100% malted Scottish barley and pure Speyside water. While whisky does not have terroir in the wine sense, these quality raw materials, coupled with local water and artisanal distillation practice, shape the distillate’s texture and aromatic potential.

 

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Distillation Method and Still Type

 

Double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills at The Macallan Distillery — the classic method for single malt Scotch — producing a rich, concentrated spirit that interacts intensively with oak over decades of maturation.

 

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Maturation and Cask Management

 

Aged for 30 years exclusively in hand-selected sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain. Each cask is seasoned with Oloroso sherry prior to filling, which deeply infuses the spirit with rich dried-fruit and spice layers. These casks are meticulously managed over three decades to maintain balance and complexity. 

 

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Tasting Notes

 

Colour: Natural dark mahogany from long contact with seasoned sherry oak. 

Nose: Rich dried fruit (raisins, sultanas), orange clove, nutmeg and subtle wood smoke. 

Palate: Velvety and full-bodied with dried fruits, rich sherry warmth, orange peel, spice and toasted oak. 

Finish: Long and rich, with lingering orange, spice and oak depth. 

 

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Food Pairing and Consumption Style

 

Pairs exceptionally well with dark chocolate desserts, dried fruit cake, spiced nuts, fig tarts or aged cheeses such as blue cheese or mature Gouda. Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open complex layers after dinner.

 

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Service Methods and Temperatures

 

Serve neat in a tulip-shaped or Glencairn whisky glass at room temperature (18–20 °C) to concentrate aromatics and allow layered complexity to emerge. A few drops of spring water can help open further nuances without diluting depth.

 

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Storage and Aging Potential

 

Store upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Whisky does not continue to age once bottled, but if stored correctly the quality remains stable and enjoyable for many years.

 

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Grain Composition and Percentage Used

 

100% malted barley — required for single malt Scotch whisky.

 

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ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

 

43% ABV.