The Macallan Edition No. 1

The first release in The Macallan's annual limited Edition series. Eight styles of European and American oak casks. Assembled by Master Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno from over 300 years of distilling tradition.

The Macallan Edition series was conceived as an annual limited release exploring the boundaries of cask selection — each edition assembled by Bob Dalgarno using an unusually broad range of cask types compared to the distillery's standard Sherry Oak and Double Cask programs. Edition No. 1 was the inaugural release, establishing the series' identity: no fixed age statement, no fixed cask formula, and a flavor brief that changes each year.

For No. 1, Dalgarno drew from eight distinct styles of European and American oak casks, each contributing a different flavor layer — vanilla and citrus from American oak, dried fruit and spice from European sherry oak, a creamy richness from other cask types. The integration of eight cask influences produces a whisky of greater complexity than the single-cask-type range, and the absence of an age statement allows barrels to be selected purely on flavor rather than years in wood.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with warm golden tones.
• Aroma: Vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, and a warm spice. Clean and immediately inviting.
• Palate: Warming, spicy, and creamy — vanilla butter and caramel up front, building into cinnamon, allspice, and a subtle chocolate note that reflects the European oak contribution.
• Finish: Long and smooth — cinnamon, allspice, and a hint of dark chocolate fading into a warm, satisfying close.

The Eight Cask Types

Edition No. 1 draws from eight distinct cask styles spanning American and European oak, each contributing distinct flavor characteristics. American oak delivers vanilla, citrus, and light spice; European sherry oak adds dried fruit, nuts, and richness. The eight-cask complexity is the defining technical feature of this release.

Specs

• Category: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Distillery: The Macallan, Speyside, Scotland (est. 1824)
• Casks: Eight styles of European and American oak
• Master Whisky Maker: Bob Dalgarno
• Size: 750ml
• Release: Edition No. 1 (inaugural annual limited series)
• Note: Wooden box included if available

Explore the full Macallan collection or browse all Scotch whisky at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is The Macallan Edition series? The Edition series is an annual limited release using an unusually broad selection of cask types, assembled by Master Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno to a flavor brief that changes each year. Edition No. 1 was the inaugural release in 2015, establishing the no-age-statement, multi-cask format that defines the series.
• How does Edition No. 1 compare to Edition No. 2? Edition No. 2 was a collaboration with El Celler de Can Roca (twice named the world's best restaurant), with a specific culinary flavor brief directing the cask selection. Edition No. 1 is Dalgarno's own vision for the series' debut — broader in cask scope and more classically Macallan in character.
• Why no age statement? The Edition series prioritizes flavor over age. By not being bound to a specific year count, Dalgarno can select barrels that have peaked regardless of their precise age — some may be older, some younger, all chosen for what they contribute to the final blend.
• Is Edition No. 1 still available? In limited quantities through specialty retailers. Edition No. 1 is the inaugural release in a now well-established series — its historical significance makes it consistently sought after by collectors.