By Dana Givens
As the holidays draw closer, many of us are finding gifts for family, friends and coworkers. Others are commemorating milestones or planning intimate gatherings. A dram of The Macallan is a special way to mark any of these big moments.
But picking the right whisky can be intimidating. To help with your selection, here’s a complete guide to our recommendations for every occasion—and every kind of whisky drinker.
The holidays are about making time for those you love. The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old is a rich and complex pick that’s well-suited to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. With mature notes of oak, ginger and raisin, this single malt is easy to enjoy. Sip it neat or with a few drops of water.
The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old is a perfect addition to any home bar, but especially for those who are still new to the spirit. This single malt has a smooth palate with notes of dried fruits, oak and spice—making it complex but not overwhelming. Try it in an Old Fashioned.
In the era of social distancing, happy hours have moved online, with crowded bars being replaced by video calls. But you don’t need a bartender-crafted cocktail to enjoy a top-shelf whisky at home. From a collection of single malts derived from the combination of Sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks, The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old features notes of ginger, toffee and orange. The smooth taste is easy to enjoy, and share, at the end of a long day. You can pour it over ice and it’s ready to enjoy.
The right gift is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. To say thank you for a job well done, or a kind favor, The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old is a special pick. This aged blend has delicate flavors of vanilla, raisins and wood spice. Enjoy it neat or over ice.
Some people prefer more fresh and delicate drinks. The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old is ideal for those with a lighter palate or those who are new to the spirit. The sweet and smooth profile has notes of citrus, honey and ginger. Try it neat or in a classic cocktail.
For birthdays and celebrations, only the best of the best will do. The Macallan Rare Cask is the embodiment of The Macallan’s commitment to exceptional wood management and showcases two of the most defining strengths of The Macallan: Sherry-seasoned oak casks and natural color. This balanced single malt offers that smooth taste that makes it memorable with soft notes of vanilla and oak. It’s the bottle you store away for special milestones. Enjoy neat or with a splash of water to release the flavors.
Many whisky enthusiasts prefer to stick to old-fashioned single malts. The Macallan Classic Cut—a limited-release made once a year and never repeated—is uniquely suited for the traditionalist in your life. Try the 2020 release, with notes of vanilla, ginger and orange, in your favorite cocktail.
The Macallan Estate is an ode to the brand’s heritage, distilled from barley grown at The Macallan Estate in Scotland. The one-of-a-kind blend is the thoughtful gift for those building—and showing off—their spirits collection. This rich single malt, with notes of wood spice, oak and fig, is bound to leave a lasting impression. Serve it neat.
Big moments are best enjoyed over a dram of The Macallan. The wide range of single malts cater to everyone from whisky novices to discerning collectors. Whether celebrating a birthday or simply looking to enjoy a quiet night at home, there’s one for every occasion.
