The Macallan has unveiled TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask, the latest release in the TIME : SPACE Collection.
The Macallan TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask is the first whisky to be influenced by casks seasoned with Valdespino sherry wine, since coming under The Macallan’s ownership. It also marks the first time Valdespino sherry has been used to season oak casks for The Macallan.
A demonstration of The Macallan’s Mastery Beyond Reason, this whisky celebrates a shared future with Valdespino, deepening the brand’s enduring connection to the home of sherry wine, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
Sherry seasoning and exceptional oak casks are at the heart of The Macallan’s whisky making mastery. Through ownership of Valdespino, The Macallan now oversees every stage of the sherry seasoning journey, ensuring complete custodianship of quality, character and provenance. This end-to-end approach safeguards The Macallan’s signature style and secures its quality for generations to come.
The whisky's character is shaped by two distinct interactions with exceptional sherry seasoned oak. A unique maturation journey introduces a distinctive second chapter of sherry cask influence; after full maturation in sherry casks, the whisky is then married in Valdespino seasoned casks to elevate the flavour profile further.
TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask began its journey on The Macallan Estate, with a selection of predominantly European oak sherry-seasoned casks, carefully curated by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team.
The whisky was then elevated through marrying in a selection of the first 200 sherry casks seasoned in The Macallan's Valdespino bodega in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Crafted in The Macallan's own cooperages in Jerez de la Frontera and shipped to Scotland for filling in 2024 during the brand's 200th anniversary year, these exceptional casks represent a milestone in The Macallan's history. While most will continue their journey maturing whisky for generations to come, a select few were chosen to impart a distinctive second chapter of sherry cask influence to TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask.
A 20 Years Old single malt Scotch whisky bottled at 44.8% ABV, TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask presents a rich yet refined character. On the nose, a medley of sherry-soaked raisins, figs and medjool dates is complemented by sweet frangipane, cinder toffee and caramelised nuts, with dark chocolate truffles and warming spices adding further depth.
The palate is opulent and complex, revealing dried fruits, rich ginger cake, treacle toffee, bramble jam and chocolate-coated cherries, before giving way to warming wood spices, espresso notes and gentle oak on the finish.
The Macallan TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask is the third chapter in the TIME : SPACE Collection, following the 200th Anniversary releases of TIME : SPACE and TIME : SPACE Mastery.
Presented in the Collection's renowned circular vessel, the whisky continues The Macallan's exploration of time through both whisky mastery and innovative design. The vessel represents the continuous flow of the past, present and future, guided under the careful custodianship of The Macallan's Whisky Mastery Team.
The presentation box draws inspiration from the palomino grapes cultivated in Valdespino vineyards in Jerez de la Frontera. The circular design of the interior mirrors the shape of the grapes, while its warm golden hue reflects the Andalusian sun that plays an essential role in the creation of sherry wine.
Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker at The Macallan, commented: “TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask celebrates an exciting milestone in The Macallan’s ownership of our sherry seasoning, as the first whisky to be influenced by casks seasoned with our own Valdespino sherry.
Shaped by two distinct interactions with sherry seasoned oak, the whisky began its journey on The Macallan Estate before being married in a selection of the first 200 casks from the Valdespino bodega in Jerez de la Frontera. This is a demonstration of The Macallan’s Mastery Beyond Reason, uniting generations of Valdespino’s sherry making expertise with our Whisky Mastery Team as we shape our next chapter.”
To coincide with the launch, The Macallan also unveiled Mastery Beyond Reason – a new documentary that celebrates the people, places and generations of expertise in the sherry cask journey.
Narrated by acclaimed photographer Steve McCurry and featuring celebrated sommelier Josep Roca, the film journeys from the oak forests of America and Northern Spain to The Macallan's own sawmills, cooperages and the historic Valdespino bodega in Jerez de la Frontera, before arriving at The Macallan Estate in Speyside where the casks are filled with new make spirit. Along the way, it uncovers the people, craft, mastery and stewardship that contribute to The Macallan's distinctive natural colour and signature taste.
Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, commented: “TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask is a reflection of our enduring commitment to mastery, craftsmanship and the remarkable influence of our sherry casks. From our vineyards of Jerez de la Frontera to The Macallan Estate in Speyside, every element of this expression speaks to our Mastery Beyond Reason philosophy - bringing together nature, time and generations of expertise. It honours the foundations that have shaped The Macallan for over two centuries while looking forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.”
