Macallan M Collection: Fun Facts, Best Bottles, Investing Tips

The Macallan M collection has held the whisky world in its thrall since its first release in 2013. 

The series gained global recognition when a bottle from its range — a 6-liter M decanter — shattered records by fetching $628,205 at a 2014 Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong. During that time, it was the most expensive whisky ever sold at auction.

The Macallan M collection is a tribute to the artistry, craftsmanship, and dedication that The Macallan has committed to over the years.

This article explores what sets the M series apart, the different expressions of the collection, and why Macallan M is so expensive.

We'll also discuss how you can invest in the casks of rare whiskies through Vinovest.

What Sets the Macallan M Collection Apart?

The Macallan M Collection features a range of rare and collectible single malt Scotch whiskies. This series is renowned for its exquisite complexity, sumptuous intensity, and remarkable quality.

Interestingly, the Macallan M decanters are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. But what makes them so special, and why do they command high prices?

Masterful Attention to Quality and Craftsmanship

While most distilleries use large stills to increase production, The Macallan whisky mastery team dedicates itself to quality by sticking with small stills — the smallest in Scotland. These small stills allow for better contact with the copper, concentrating the flavor of the whisky.

The whisky makers carefully select a small amount of the distillation to fill into its casks — focusing only on the finest quality spirit.

The Macallan M whiskies have all been aged in hand-selected, sherry seasoned Spanish oak casks. 

Also, the Macallan Distillery goes to great lengths to source, craft, season, and care for its seasoned oak casks.

Wondering why?

The seasoned oak casks are a major contributor to the final flavor and aroma of the whisky. 

Finally, the whisky mastery team focuses on natural ingredients and producing a drink with natural color. In fact, the color in Macallan whiskies comes from the wood of the casks in which they are matured (without any artificial coloring).

Exquisite Crystal Decanters

Besides the craftsmanship, the whiskies in the Macallan M series stand apart due to their signature crystal decanters.

The visionary creative director and legendary designer Fabien Baron designed the decanters as part of the Macallan Masters Decanter Series. From there, the designs were brought to life by renowned luxury glassmaker Lalique.

Each Macallan M decanter is hand-blown, made from the highest grade crystal, and engraved with a unique number. It has an intricate geometric design with six facets, reflecting The Macallan's Six Pillars:

• The Macallan Estate
• Curiously small spirit stills
• Exceptional oak casks
• Sherry wine
• Natural color
• Mastery

Each whisky in the series pays tribute to one of these pillars, with each Macallan M decanter reflecting a pillar with its color.

Now, let's explore each expression in the collection.

The Macallan M

The first whisky in the series is the Macallan M, which debuted back in 2013 but had subsequent releases every year since. The latest one was released in 2022.

The Macallan M pays tribute to the “Natural color” pillar.

How?

Its dark, natural colour is beautifully brought to life through its clear crystal decanter that reflects and refracts light.

Flavor profile: This whiskey from the Macallan Distillery boasts sumptuous intensity and wood spice flavors with wood smoke notes. It’s bottled in the highest grade crystal decanter and offers dried fruit aromas with vanilla, polished oak, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger hints.

Price of 2022 The Macallan 'M' Single Malt Scotch Whisky: $5,815  

ABV: 45%

The Macallan M Black

The Macallan M Black may be the most complex expression in the M series. It blends the classic Macallan character with a hint of peat — creating a single malt that's both smoky and rich. 

This peated whisky represents the brand's “Mastery” pillar.

How?

The Macallan M Black whisky is aged in black-ended, exceptional oak casks. This peated spirit is then housed in a stunning black Lalique crystal decanter. The black crystal is more challenging to work with and requires a higher level of mastery to produce.

Flavor profile: This peated spirit from The Macallan Decanter Series offers a tasting note of dried fruit with wood spice, dark chocolate, citrus, and peat smoke hints. On the nose, this peated whisky displays rich vanilla aromas with smoke and decadent dark chocolate notes.

Price of 2022 The Macallan 'M Black' Single Malt Scotch Whisky: $7,842  

ABV: 46%

The Macallan M Copper

The Macallan M Copper is the newest expression in the M series, and it was first revealed in 2022. 

The M Copper is a tribute to the brand's “Curiously Small Spirit Stills” pillar. 

How?

As mentioned before, The Macallan uses small stills for better contact with the copper. The whisky's natural golden glow and the decanter's copper color both represent this aspect of their production process.

Flavor profile: The Macallan M Copper has a 100% natural colour of spun gold and boasts exquisite complexity. It offers a tasting note of pear with caramelized banana and spiced oak hints, and the nose boasts white peach, malty biscuit, and citrus aromas. 

Price of 2022 The Macallan 'M Copper' Single Malt Scotch Whisky: $7,505

ABV: 46%

The Macallan brand has gained global recognition for its luxury whiskies. So, let’s find out why these drinks are pricey.

Why Is Macallan M So Expensive?

The drinks’ high prices stem from their remarkable quality, limited production, unique packaging, and brand reputation. 

• The Macallan M series whiskies are crafted from some of the finest single malts matured in sherry seasoned oak casks. 

• The tightly controlled production process further amplifies its rarity.

• The luxurious crystal decanters also greatly influence the price. For instance, The Macallan M whiskey bottle that sold for $628,205 was a unique 6-liter decanter. They made four, but only one was available to the public.

How Old Is The Macallan M Scotch?

The Macallan M whiskey doesn’t come with age statements. It’s a blend of single malt whiskies that were chosen based on their flavor profile and quality rather than a specific age range.

This allows the Master Whisky Maker more flexibility in selecting whiskies that contribute to the final blend. In other words, the whiskey maker isn’t restricted to whiskies of a certain age. 

What we know is that Macallan M is a blend of single malts that have been aged in sherry-seasoned Spanish oak casks, the oldest of which was distilled in 1940.

How Many Macallan M Bottles Are Produced?

Each release of Macallan M is a limited edition, with each release usually having a specific number of bottles. However, the exact quantity can vary yearly, and the distillery doesn’t disclose the exact number for each release.

For reference though, the original release of Macallan M in 2013 included only 1,750 bottles.

Now, let’s check out if it’s worth investing in The Macallan Masters Decanter Series.

Should You Invest in Macallan M?

The Macallan boasts the reputation of producing several of the most expensive whiskies ever sold at auctions. 

In fact, most of Macallan's more recent releases sell at attractive prices.

But investing in whiskies from The Macallan Decanter Series (or other bottles, like the Macallan Estate whisky) is more complex than it sounds. You have to look at the fill level, check the label, and ensure it has the original packaging. 

You then need to store it in the right conditions. Also, let’s not forget that you have to determine the right time to sell to get a good ROI.

But there's a simpler way to invest in whiskey. It’s through cask investing!

Whiskey casks, such as a Macallan rare cask, typically appreciate in value as the whiskey matures over time. Historically, they've seen an annual growth of 12-18%. 

Not too shabby, right?

Moreover, you don't have to bother about storage because these casks are stored and maintained by experts in bonded warehouses.

But how do you start investing in whiskey casks?

Invest In Rare Whiskey Casks Through Vinovest

Vinovest, one of the most well-established wine investment platforms, is rolling out a full-stack whiskey investment platform.

Vinovest’s experts will help you curate a portfolio of premium Scotch, American, and Irish whiskey casks from renowned distilleries worldwide.

Investing through Vinovest provides several advantages:

• Your whiskey casks are authenticated, stored, and insured by experts.
• You can cut down on the intermediaries and avoid extra commissions.
• You will receive a sample bottle from your cask annually. Delivery can be made anywhere in the world — from the US to New Zealand or Hong Kong. 
• You can sell your cask when the time is right. Alternatively, you can have it bottled.

Just sit back, relax, and pour yourself a dram while your investments grow. With Vinovest, you're in good hands.

The Macallan M Collection: Quality and Craftsmanship Poured into a Decanter

The whiskies in the Macallan M collection are luscious and come in luxurious packaging.

Besides, who wouldn't want to have one of those gorgeous decanters to show off?

However, if you want to invest in bottles and sell them for a profit, you may find it challenging to keep the decanters and casings in perfect condition.

So, what’s the solution?

Opt for whiskey cask investments with Vinovest.

Visit the Vinovest website today and secure premium whisky casks. The platform allows you to invest in whiskey casks from all over the world — from Japan to New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and the US.