Serving quality single malts like The Macallan can be a delicate matter. Neat or on the rocks? Crafted into cocktails or enjoyed as is? We consult the brand directly to discover The Macallan’s drinks and service guide to make the most of your drinking experience.
The Macallan brand is known for its distinctive aromas, flavours and after notes; so distinctive that consumers often enjoy the whisky on its own – why would you ruin perfection? That being said, it is possible to enhance The Macallan experience without disrupting the qualities that made us fall in love with it in the first place.
The brand believes that a drink is not just what goes into the glass. It is the overall experience that surrounds the ingredients, it’s the extraordinary execution of the finest details that can further elevate the simplest drinks.
The journey starts from the glassware used for tasting. The international-standard tasting glass is always ideal to really showcase the aromas and flavours. A little tip, when serving any of The Macallan’s variants that come in Lalique crystal, always serve in cut crystal glassware. Adding a touch of class to the journey never hurts.
Adding ice or water to The Macallan’s whisky is a delicate matter. Ice should only be used for chilling and slight dilution, so that it doesn’t distort the flavour. It is highly recommended to use crystal-clear ice from a large block, pre-cut to the perfect size for the drink, or ice balls made from The Macallan’s ice ball machine. Water, meanwhile, can be useful to reduce the alcohol by volume percentage and let the drinker focus on the flavour. Just be sure to use room temperature water served in a crystal jug.
For an aperitif, The Macallan Copa – concocted from The Macallan Triple Cask Matured 12 Years Old, Oloroso sherry topped with tonic and ice, is a perfect choice. A modern homage to the classic gin and tonic, The Copa is a refreshing start to create conversation.
There are some things that are better left simple. The main event calls for The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, simply poured over a crystal-clear ice ball. The ice ball can keep the whisky cool without over-diluting it. For a simple ending, enjoy The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 neat – a perfect digestif to end the night.
For the curious palate that would like to experience another classic cocktail amped up with The Macallan’s magic touch, then go for The Sherry Oak-Smoked Old Fashioned. Pour 50ml of Macallan Sherry Oak, add 15ml maple syrup and add a pinch of smoked salt to an old fashioned glass, then stir together with a small ice cube. Add more ice and a cherry to garnish.
THE MACALLAN COPA
Ingredients
- 35ml The Macallan Triple Cask Matured 12 Years Old
- 15ml Oloroso sherry
- Tonic to top
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Method
- Add all ingredients to a Copa glass filled with ice, and garnish.
The Macallan
Exquisite Taste September – November 2019
