macallan

The Macallan M collection has held the whisky world in its thrall since its first release in 2013.

The series gained global recognition when a bottle from its range — a 6-liter M decanter — shattered records by fetching $628,205 at a 2014 Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong. During that time, it was the most expensive whisky ever sold at auction.

Furthermore, the Macallan M collection is a tribute to the artistry, craftsmanship, and dedication that This brand has committed to over the years.

To continue, this article explores what sets the M series apart, the different expressions of the collection, and why M is so expensive.

Equally, we’ll also discuss how you can invest in the casks of rare whiskies through Vinovest.

What Sets this M Collection Apart?

In addition, the Macallan M Collection features a range of rare and collectible single malt Scotch whiskies. Also, this series is renowned for its exquisite complexity, sumptuous intensity, and remarkable quality.

In continuation, interestingly, the Macallan M decanters are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. But what makes them so special, and why do they command high prices?

Masterful Attention to Quality and Craftsmanship. Macallan

While most distilleries use large stills to increase production, The Macallan whisky mastery team dedicates itself to quality by sticking with small stills — the smallest in Scotland. These small stills allow for better contact with the copper, concentrating the flavor of the whisky.

The whisky makers carefully select a small amount of the distillation to fill into its casks — focusing only on the finest quality spirit.

The Macallan M whiskies have all been aged in hand-selected, sherry seasoned Spanish oak casks. 

Also, the Macallan Distillery goes to great lengths to source, craft, season, and care for its seasoned oak casks.

Wondering why?

The seasoned oak casks are a major contributor to the final flavor and aroma of the whisky. 

Finally, the whisky mastery team focuses on natural ingredients and producing a drink with natural color. In fact, the color in Macallan whiskies comes from the wood of the casks in which they are matured (without any artificial coloring).

Exquisite Crystal Decanters. Macallan

Besides the craftsmanship, the whiskies in the M series stand apart due to their signature crystal decanters.

Moreover, the visionary creative director and legendary designer Fabien Baron designed the decanters as part of the Macallan Masters Decanter Series. Again, from there, the designs were brought to life by renowned luxury glassmaker Lalique.

Besides, each M decanter is hand-blown, made from the highest grade crystal, and engraved with a unique number. More so, It has an intricate geometric design with six facets, reflecting The Macallan’s Six Pillars:

The Macallan Estate

Curiously small spirit stills

Exceptional oak casks

Sherry wine

Natural color

Mastery

Each whisky in the series pays tribute to one of these pillars, with each M decanter reflecting a pillar with its color.

Now, let’s explore each expression in the collection.

The Macallan M
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The first whisky in the series is the Macallan M, which debuted back in 2013 but had subsequent releases every year since. The latest one was released in 2022.

The Macallan M pays tribute to the “Natural color” pillar.

How?

Its dark, natural colour is beautifully brought to life through its clear crystal decanter that reflects and refracts light.

Flavor profile: This whiskey from the Macallan Distillery boasts sumptuous intensity and wood spice flavors with wood smoke notes. It’s bottled in the highest grade crystal decanter and offers dried fruit aromas with vanilla, polished oak, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger hints.

Price of 2022 The Macallan ‘M’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky: $5,815

ABV: 45%

The Macallan M Black

The M Black may be the most complex expression in the M series. It blends the classic Macallan character with a hint of peat — creating a single malt that’s both smoky and rich. 

This peated whisky represents the brand’s “Mastery” pillar.

How?

The M Black whisky is aged in black-ended, exceptional oak casks. This peated spirit is then housed in a stunning black Lalique crystal decanter. The black crystal is more challenging to work with and requires a higher level of mastery to produce.

Flavor profile: This peated spirit from The Decanter Series offers a tasting note of dried fruit with wood spice, dark chocolate, citrus, and peat smoke hints. On the nose, this peated whisky displays rich vanilla aromas with smoke and decadent dark chocolate notes.

Price of 2022 The ‘M Black’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky: $7,842