Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the “Big 3” single malts in Scotland — the other two are Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. Fortunately, The Macallan has achieved this scale without sacrificing quality. A change in UK labeling laws aced them out of their “Speyside” designation. But just because the British Parliament gerrymandered the “official” boundaries doesn’t mean whiskey-lovers have to pay any attention. The Macallan single malts are famous for their classic Speyside style and the heavily sherried influence of their core rage.

The Macallan has been creating single malt whisky for so long at such a high volume and such a high level that they have what sports teams call a very “deep bench.” Their incredible inventory of rare, aging single malt gives them the ability to pinpoint flavors and special editions for the refined whisky palate that satisfy a huge, global following. Their achievements are numerous, including setting the record price ever paid at auction for a single bottle of scotch at auction.

At the higher end of the Macallan line is the Masters Decanter Series, of which there are four — The Macallan Reflexion, The Macallan no.6, The Macallan M, and The Macallan M Black. Each is special in craftsmanship and in the unique, artistic decanters crafted of fine French crystal by the famous House of Lalique.

The Macallan Reflexion Single Malt Scotch Whisky is crafted from whiskies aged primarily in first-fill, sherry-seasoned oak casks. Moreover, many of these whiskies were stored in petite hogshead casks, which enhance the flavor, color and complexity of the whisky as the relatively higher surface area of wood encourages more interaction with the whisky. Finally, the sherry-seasoned barrels are combined with a smaller proportion of American oak-aged whisky, creating an extraordinary and elegant whisky.

As a result, The Macallan Reflexion Single Malt Scotch Whisky has a highly floral aroma, with notes of vanilla, apricot and apples giving way to a palate accented by chocolate oranges and lemon pie. The finish, which has faint hints of new oak, is dry and incredibly smooth.

“Wood sits at the very heart of what we do at The Macallan and this range further demonstrates the vital role of our casks in the production of these superb whiskies,” says Stuart MacPherson, The Macallan’s master of wood.