While we’re used to buying whisky from the liquor shops, opportunities to buy our favourite bottles of Scotch direct from the source are few and far between.
Usually, this would entail booking a long flight to London, driving up to Scotland, and legging it to the distillery. Something of a tall order, truth be told.
Until now, that is.
The retail experience
Rumours had been tossing around for a while about a new retail space dedicated to a large distillery. One doesn’t often put great stock in gossip, so we didn’t pay much heed.
So, we were mildly surprised when The Macallan Boutique @ 1855 officially opened its doors to the public on 14th June. As the name suggests, it is a partnership with local retailer 1855 The Bottle Shop.
Edrington claims that the new downtown boutique is the first of its kind in the world (at least, in the city), and while we’re not 100% sure, the experience is definitely unique.
Step into the retail space, and you are greeted by a Boutique Associate, who will guide you through a tasting flight of the core The Macallan whiskies, or perhaps a cocktail. That’s just the beginning, however.
Down the rabbit hole
Step through a tiny passageway to the left, and we catch a glimpse of the Boutique, proper. The wood-carved ceiling is an homage to that of The Macallan’s newly opened distillery. As if to drive the point home, a giant photograph of said distillery occupies the right wall.
Now, the new retail space is not particularly sprawling; it occupies a compact 500 square feet at the newly-completed Marina One. Yet, this might work to its advantage; it feels like a treasure trove, dense with jewels and gold- at least of the liquid sort.
Many of you readers already know what you’re going to buy. But, on the off chance that you need help, The Boutique Associate will be on hand to lend…a hand, and not just for whisky; you can also get merchandise previously only offered online in Europe and the UK. Cufflinks, The Macallan glassware, notebooks, Roja Dove scented candles and Wintersmith ice ball makers.
And of course, shopping
Now, the usual suspects are, of course, available. The 12 Year Olds; Sherry Oak, Double Cask and Triple Cask Matured are on sale. The Quest series and the Edition No.3 are perched on the shelves, though the former is more of an exhibition piece.
The 15 and the 18, quite uncommon indeed, are just begging to be picked up.
For something a wee bit older, there’s the 40 and the 50 years old, the latter of which is one of 200 bottles worldwide- and available exclusively at the Boutique.
For those with deep pockets and a love for crystal, the 1824 series sits on the highest shelf, as well they should. The Reflexion, No. 6 and M are a treat for the eyes, and perhaps the tastebuds, though we ourselves not tasted them.
Well, it wouldn’t be much of a boutique if there wasn’t something impossibly rare and valuable to window-shop. Along the wall is a complete display of The Masters of Photography series, all the way from Rankin to Mario Testino and Steve Klein. They’re as much works of art as they are distilled malt.
Oh, and right smack in the middle of the room is the oldest Macallan ever released, the 72 year old. Now, that is worth a trip in itself.
