The obsession with quality has been the hallmark of Macallan since its founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the River Spey in northeast Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by a 485-acre estate with Easter Elchies House at its center.

Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then, we have built a reputation as one of the world's leading single malt whiskies. The creation of Macallan is based on the vital influences of Spain, North America and Scotland – and their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship.

The Macallan distillery was founded by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and teacher. The area's original name was "Maghellan," derived from the Gaulish word "magh," meaning fertile soil, and "Ellan," from the monk St. Fillan – who maintained a close association with the church that stood on the grounds of the Macallan Estate until 1400. Farmers had been producing whisky on their farms in Speyside in the area for centuries, using surplus barley during the quieter winter months.

The Macallan's reputation is built on a product of excellent quality and distinct character, based on a set of guiding principles. From the location to the process, from the people to the passion, the Six Pillars are the backdrop to The Macallan's unique spirit.

Our reputation for the extraordinary is characterized by the exceptional oak casks for which Macallan is known. Sourced, crafted, toasted, and seasoned under the watchful eye of the Macallan Master Woodworker, the hand-picked casks are delivered according to the exacting specifications of the Macallan Whisky Mastery Team. For every expression of The Macallan, the quality of the whisky depends largely on the quality of the oak casks in which it is matured, as well as the quality of our 'new brand' spirit distilled from water, yeast, and barley. With up to 80% of the final character and flavour of Macallan's determined by the quality of the cask, the oak cask is the most important factor in ensuring and delivering the quality and style of our single malt.

All our whiskies derive 100% of their color from the wood in which they are aged. As wood is a natural product, each tree is different and in turn imparts different flavors and colors to the whisky during maturation. The skill of the whisky makers ensures that the color is as consistent as possible from bottling to bottling, through the management and selection of casks that provide the spectrum of natural colors essential to Macallan single malt.

Macallan works closely with fully integrated 'tree to finished tempered barrel' companies in Spain; to identify oak trees in the forests of northern Spain, they fell the trees, saw and dry the oak staves before sending them south for further air drying to reduce moisture even further. The barrels are then tempered for 18 months before traveling to Scotland where they are filled with the spirit of the 'new brand' The Macallan.