Euan Kennedy Discusses the Distinction of The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 and 30

Lead Whisky Maker of The Macallan, discusses the esteemed reputation of The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 and 30 Year Old whiskies, as well as the significant implications of maturing casks for future generations.

The Macallan

The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 and 30 Year Old, two whiskies refined through decades of patience, sherry-seasoned oak, and an uninterrupted tradition of expertise, epitomise the pinnacle of The Macallan’s craftsmanship. These expressions, developed over two decades, encapsulate The Macallan’s profound tastes of rich sherry warmth, concentrated sweetness, and the subtle influence of time. Euan Kennedy, Lead Whisky Maker at The Macallan, oversees the tradition of the Sherry Oak 25 and 30 Year Old, embodying a blend of heritage, intuition, and precise cask knowledge.

Having been raised in Dumfries & Galloway and currently residing in Speyside, whisky has consistently been accessible to you. Was a career in whisky always a vocation?

From an early age, I had the privilege of travelling to Asia and Europe, and I was astonished to see that Scotch whisky is available in bars globally. It is gratifying to complete the journey of travelling for work to educate and engage with those who value Scotch whisky.

You have been associated with The Macallan since 2022. What is an unexpected insight about The Macallan that you have gained during your tenure at the distillery and while collaborating with Kirsteen Campbell?

One would recognise The Macallan's quality even from afar. What astonished me was the daily manifestation of this, including the effort invested in craftsmanship and the quality assessments performed by our staff. The team's concentration and meticulousness are remarkable, from seasoning casks in Jerez, Spain, to assessing the quality of our new-make spirit in the distillery.

What are your duties and daily activities as the Lead Whisky Maker?

It is quite enjoyable. Each morning at 10, our team of whisky makers convenes not to consume, but to evaluate and endorse recent batches of whisky. The day consists of responding to emails, participating in collaborative discussions, evaluating the whisky's attributes, and strategising for the future. I appreciate our comprehensive engagement in all facets of whisky manufacturing.

The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 and 30 Years Old are frequently regarded as exemplary representations. What distinguishes them within The Macallan's collection?

There are other factors, but I will focus on two, beginning with time, to elucidate the matter. The Sherry Oak 25 and 30 Years Old whiskies merit contemplation and genuine appreciation for the passage of time.

These whiskies originate from casks established in the previous millennium; hence, I urge individuals to reflect on their lives 25 years prior when contemplating them. Over time, generations of whisky makers and artisans at the distillery have exercised the patience to cultivate these casks for future maturation.

In addition to patience and skill, we are experiencing a loss of whisky, popularly referred to as the angel's share, at this stage. Despite the loss of whisky, the flavour persists in the cask, and after 25 years, together with an additional seven years of maturation from the 18 Year Old, we achieve a remarkable concentration effect that significantly enhances the whisky's complexity.

Could you elucidate the processes occurring within a sherry-seasoned cask over decades that impart these whiskies their distinctive character?

Whisky possesses the remarkable quality of being both exceedingly complex and, in a sense, rather straightforward. We commence with our distinctive new-make spirit, crafted in our intriguingly compact stills, which exhibit a delightful depth of flavour and substantial weight, achieving an excellent equilibrium between cereal and fruity notes.

The sherry-seasoned cask imparts rich aromas of dried fruit. However, the third and most crucial aspect of whiskies of this nature is that, with time, there is a development in flavour and character, which distinctly differentiates these whiskies.

What is the flavour profile of new-make spirit?

It possesses a harmonious mix of flavours, combining the delightful fruitiness of apples and pears with the nutty cereal notes from barley. The Macallan is distinguished by its taste characteristics, complemented with a pleasing weight of spirit, characterised by richness and sturdiness. The weight of the spirit is essential as it indicates the spirit's capacity for enduring maturity.

Aside from age declarations, how would you characterise the whiskies in a single term?

In my view, these whiskies epitomise The Macallan, and I hope individuals consider The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 and 30 Year Old while reflecting on the brand. That singular word is ineffable, in a splendid manner. My responsibility is to formulate tasting notes, which is an exceedingly challenging task for whiskies of this nature. These whiskies must be experienced to be credible. Should an occasion arise to commemorate with cherished individuals, contemplate uncorking a distinguished whisky such as these. Significant effort, patience, and time have been invested in the creation of these whiskies, and at times, we neglect to cultivate those moments for ourselves.

These whiskies originate from the previous millennium, as you noted, and consequently, you are crafting whiskies for forthcoming decades. Does preparing whiskies for the future carry significant meaning?

That is unequivocally true. My role is dual in nature; I am fortunate to produce the whiskies of the present that my predecessors have established, while a significant portion of our attention is devoted to maturing the appropriate quality of casks for the future. I believe that in 10, 20, or 30 years, we will reflect on our leadership and affirm that we made sound decisions.

The Macallan has recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. What does this longevity indicate about the brand's essence, and how do you envision it influencing its future?

The Macallan excels in this regard, so imposing a degree of strain on my role. We will consistently focus on the future, perceiving ourselves as a benchmark for norms and a wellspring of inspiration. We aim to be proactive; we intend to establish the tone, and that is our ongoing commitment.

Imagine you could serve a dram of Sherry Oak 30 Years Old to anyone, from either the past or present; whom would you choose, and what would be the ideal setting for this occasion?

There are, in fact, two individuals. I feel emotional about this – I would cherish the opportunity to share one of these whiskies with both of my grandfathers. It reaffirms my prior assertion that it is valuable to open and enjoy these whiskies with those you cherish.