Macallan Concept Number 1 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 40%

In 2018, Macallan launched a series that would challenge everything the distillery had done before. Concept Number 1 is the first bottle — inspired by surrealist art and designed to break with received notions of what Macallan whisky can and should taste like.

Expert description

Macallan Concept Number 1 is a discontinued Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky from 2018, matured equally in sherry seasoned oak casks and ex-bourbon casks, bottled at 40%. The Concept series was Macallan's response to contemporary art's urge to challenge and provoke — the whisky is made to deviate, not to confirm. The maturation time is split equally between the two cask types, and the result is an expression that is lighter and more citrus-oriented than the classic Macallan expressions dominated by sherry casks.

As the first in the series and as a discontinued expression, Concept Number 1 attracts attention from collectors. It was not produced in unlimited quantities, and access to bottles continues to decrease.

Tasting notes

Nose

Butterscotch toffee with almonds and ginger. Cinnamon and dried fruit, citrus and green banana in the background.

Palate

Fresh orange and lemon citrus with soft oak spices and ginger. Lively fruit presence with good drive.

Finish

Medium length with a touch of sweetness and dryness. Oak, citrus fruit and ginger linger.

Specifications

Name: Macallan Concept Number 1
Distillery: Macallan
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Sherry seasoned oak casks and ex-bourbon casks
Edition: Concept Number 1 (2018, discontinued)
EAN no.: 5010314307394

Flavour profile

Citrus-driven · Lightly spiced · Fruity · Lighter Macallan style

Investment potential

High — Concept Number 1 is discontinued and the first bottle in a groundbreaking series from Macallan. The combination of limited production, discontinued status and collector interest makes it a bottle with strong investment potential.

Did you know?

The Concept series was created with surrealist art as its source of inspiration and was Macallan's first real attempt to break with the classic sherry cask expression in an annual limited edition series.

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Frequently asked questions about Macallan Concept Number 1

What is Macallan Concept Number 1?

Macallan Concept Number 1 is the first release in Macallan's Concept series, a limited edition series from 2018. The series was inspired by surrealist art and created with the intention of challenging Macallan's classic flavour profile.

Is Concept Number 1 discontinued?

Yes — Concept Number 1 has been discontinued from Macallan's range and is no longer in production. Availability is limited to what still circulates on the secondary market.

What is the investment potential for Macallan Concept Number 1?

The potential is assessed as high. It is discontinued, it is the first in a renowned series from Macallan, and it was produced in limited quantities. Macallan collectors are aware of the Concept series, and demand exceeds supply.

What does Concept Number 1 taste like?

It is lighter and more citrus-oriented than classic Macallan expressions. The nose offers butterscotch toffee, almonds and ginger. The palate is fresh with orange, lemon and light oak spice, and the finish is medium length with citrus and ginger.

What makes the Concept series different from other Macallan series?

The Concept series was designed to break with Macallan's strong sherry cask tradition. The whisky is matured equally in sherry casks and ex-bourbon casks, which gives a more balanced and citrus-driven expression than the typically heavier sherry-dominated releases from Macallan.

How should Macallan Concept Number 1 be stored?

As a rare discontinued bottle it should be stored upright in the dark at a stable temperature, away from direct sunlight. If you open it, it is best neat or with a single drop of water to open up the aromas.