The Macallan Estate

My review is a mixed bag as I love this brand as an investment. Every year I make the 4 hour journey to the estate to pick up a bottle of the 18 year old, Cherry cask edition of that year for my collection. Firstly, in 3 years the bottling has went up £60. How can you justify that? Today I was not permitted entry to the boutique as I hadn't made a prior booking. Unbelievable to think that they are turning tourists away because they haven't booked a slot before arriving in Scotland. Luckily for me, the guy who originally didn't permit me access, made a call to which I was eventually granted access to the shop. I purchased my whisky, spend hundreds of pounds, and was out of there within 10 minutes. Not a very good experience after a 4 hour journey, im really disappointed. All that said, the people who work at the distillery are lovely. As was the Gentleman who originally denied me access. The distillery is a sight to behold, unlike any distillery that I've ever seen.So whisky lovers, before you make the long perilous trip to the estate, make sure you have made an appointment prior to arriving. If you are having a short stay in Scotland, be prepared to be disappointed as you wont get near the estate. There are other welcoming distilleries in the area that are lovely if you do find yourself disappointed. They'll be happy to take your money without a sing song.

Modern distillery with an elegant architecture but I missed the feeling of a distillery visit. It seemed like a fancy boutique for tourists.You are offered tea/coffee on arrival.The whiskey tasting includes drams of 12, 15 & 18 year old each.There was another one at the end from one of their special travel edition, although definitely matured less than 10 years in cask.The process was explained clearly although if you ask a question out of syllabus/notes, the guy fumbled.We did taste whiskey before it goes into the barrel (63% ABV) I wish they would have let us taste from the barrels rather than from bottles in the bar.The brand is a historic one but the new directions seem to focus on marketing and collaboration with designers etc etc.We drove 3+ hours from Edinburgh and went back in the evening. The views were great though with snow covered mountains.

The Macallan ... now this was not just a tour & tasting .. but an ‘experience’ ... What a wonderful time with excellent staff and some amazing whiskey! Well presented history and an awesome present. Well worth the time and great value for the different levels of tours.

A Macallan lover's dream! What an incredible place inside and out. A must-visit if you're a whisky fan but also well worth a look even if you're not. Dropped in for a drink when passing and can't wait to return for a full tour. The staff are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable too.

After being warmly greeted at the distillery gates by a host in The Macallan Bentley my Dad and I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at The Macallan Estate. Started with drinks at the bar overlooking the beautiful estate followed by a delicious tasting menu lunch. The service was warm and friendly throughout as the knowledgeable team guided us through the unique menu and drinks pairings. We ended our day exploring the Whisky Wall and boutique before a friendly goodbye at the gates by the same host who greeted us. A very special experience.

What an informative, and fun filled 3 hours, we had.We drank and ate, while being entertained and enlightened by a professional bunch of actors.I thought that there was just the right mix of fact and humour.Also a shout out to the guide who drove us all over the estate. I knew I’d forget your name but you were such an important part

This was surely the most impressive and modern of the 8 distilleries we visited on our Whisky Trial. Really in the 21st century in production, architecture and marketing. We struggle to book a tour online as it was all fully booked many months in advance so we had to choose the “The Macallan Through the Ages” experience which was £175…expensive but with a reason. We thought the experience was only tasting but we had a short visit to the impressive and beautiful production area. We did not visit the store house.During the tasting experience we had explained every detail particular to production of the brand such as they produce only on Sherry (Jerez) cask produced by they own facilities in Spain. Other distilleries were struggling to find this kind of casks, but they have warrantied sourcing.We tasting experience started humble with the spirit and the sherry but then it went to a 10 year old Whisky which tastes likes the ones of the 80s, some specials really good whish is valued £1500 a bottle and then lastly a 22 SINGLE CASK which is valued about £25k a bottle. A shot of the Single Cask will cost £500 surely in a Whisky bar. The taste is very personal so I will not rate the flavours but I can assure you that they are unique and will probably surprise you.Even if booking was very difficult the Estate was half empty, probably they limit the number of people.I was surprised that they don’t have the usual guard with barriers in a gate building. They have a Bentley with a gate keeper dressed in suit and tie checking the visitors bookings. Remember you can not get in even to the store o café without a booking. Probably a little bit too much but that is the way they work.I think that this is an essential place to visit as part of your Whisky Trial.

Always love going to The Macallan estate, the staff are amazing and the experiences never dissapoint. My friends and I booked for the Reflections experience this time and learned so much from the whole experience all while having fun. Even my non whisky drinker friends loved it!

We finally made it to the Macallan distillery.It was hard to get a slot. We were afraid we would not get inYou can't just stop by for a dram. You have to have an appointment, your car needs to be registered to get into the parking lot.Very opulent. Very posh. You are greeted at the gate. You are greeted at the front door. Uniformed staff. It's very pretty and up to date".There is a glass wall of almost everything Macallan has produced over the years. Very impressive.We did the oak tasting at the upstairs bar. We could see the stills through a tall glass window. Our guide was a very pretty young lady who did an amazing job of walking us through 4 different drams and she was very well versed and knowledgeable. She answered all our questions. She deserves 6 stars.Macallan is definitely going after the high end market and they make you feel like it's an experience of a lifetime. You should feel special just being there.But unfortunately I have to say I came away a bit disappointed.It was almost like I was expecting to meet an old friend

Our tour was on 9/12/23. We’re impressed by the infra structure of the Estate before our tour even started. Our guide was already at the entrance to greet us.Staff members were helpful and friendly.All facilities are up to the par of any Four Seasons Hotel.If Mr Reid was here, he’d certainly be very proud.