The Details
Cask Type #I: 1st fill Oloroso Sherry
Cask # I: 11350
ABV: 56.0 %
Bottles: 195
Vol: 70CLe
Cask Type #II: Hokkaido Mizunara
Cask # II: 212088
ABV: 55.8 %
Bottles: 195
Vol: 70CLe
The Macallan 33-year-old 1991 Origins
Sherry & Sherry-Mizunara
Bill Amberg Edition
A Study in Oak
In this one-time production, we used a 1991-vintage Highland Single Malt distilled at The Macallan Distillery 1st-filled Oloroso Sherry Cask. This liquids has remained in its original cask for the full 33- year aging process. We created it’s “Japanese Twin” by finishing half the liquids in a cask made of Japanese Mizunara oak naturally grown ~50-80 years in Hokkaido, air-dried for 36 months. The finish was over 10 months such that the liquids was able to absorb the essentials of the Mizunara oak and at the same time retain the classic elements of a Macallan.
This is the first time in whisky history that two incarnations of a single cask allow connoisseurs to enjoy the original liquid side-by-side next to its Mizunara-aged “twin”. The 10-month aging duration was chosen purely on flavour, when we felt the balance was struck at the perfect balance between sherry sweetness and Mizunara spice.
The Production
This production is further enriched by partner artisans we intimately work with to bring to you an exquisite collectible. From the makers of our intricately engraved crystal decanters, Glencairn, to Bill Amberg Studio whose team’s design and engineering creativity helped produce and original wooden cabinet, to an expertly attentive team supporting the oversight and management of the liquid itself at our bottling warehouse, Craigton Packaging.
The Liquids
Mizunara Sherry:
Nose: Balanced with sweetness and spice.
Palate: Coconut softness with subtle sandalwood spice. Finish: Long cinnamon finish with incense and sandalwood notes.
The Sherry:
A rich Macallan spirit, oily and complex.
Nose: Woody, leathery, banana, sweet black pepper, and incense.
Palate: Slight peat with oaky spices, dark fudge, and raisins.
Finish: Spiced fruits, drying tannins, and earthy notes.
The Casket
In collaboration with Bill Amberg Studio, the exquisite wooden cabinet is covered in a vegetable tanned, debossed leather honouring the history of the Scottish whisky and the cultural significance of Japan’s native oak. The interior has been lined in cream calf-skin. The box mechanism features an articulated plinth expertly engineered specially for this project. The twin decanters rises elegantly as the box opens, giving a sleek transition and sophisticated visual between the closed and opened state.
The Bottles
The two whiskies are presented in beautiful lead-free crystal decanters of the highest quality handcrafted by Glencairn Crystal. The lettering on the front of each bottle is hand engraved in gold while the beautifully engraved designs build the bridge between the Scottish origins and the Asian influence on this extraordinary liquid. The crystal was polished to a prefect finish on the exterior using an acid polishing process.
