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The Macallan Distillery

In the heart of the beautiful Macallan Estate, personal service and a warm greeting await every guest at The Macallan Distillery Experience.

The Macallan Estate is a world-leading hospitality destination and birthplace of every bottle of The Macallan single malt whisky since 1824.

Its location, in Scotland’s Speyside region, is like no other. The internationally acclaimed distillery, built in 2018, is an architectural masterpiece set in a 485-acre site which includes 1.8 miles of The River Spey.

All visits are now by appointment.  This extends across all of our experiences including Elchies Brasserie, The Macallan Boutique and The Macallan Bar.

Our new bookings-only approach enables our team to deliver the best possible experience for every single guest. Guests who have a Brasserie, Bar or Boutique booking will also be able to visit the other areas, subject to availability.

In addition to whisky experiences which provide an immersive insight to the history, heritage and dedication that has shaped Scotland’s most iconic whisky, The Macallan Estate boasts fine-dining, private shopping and fishing.

With uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside, The Macallan Bar has the widest selection of The Macallan available anywhere in the world and has specially curated experiences.

Exquisite dishes inspired by the setting are served within Elchies Brasserie, where fine dining is based on exceptional seasonal and local ingredients from Speyside’s natural larder.

The Macallan Boutique Experience allows guests to explore whiskies from limited collections and be introduced to The Macallan Lifestyle Collection, a selection of bar and homeware, outd oor and travel apparel and bespoke art and stationery.

All guests must be over the age of 18 years old to participate in our experiences.

The Macallan Estate is open for bookings from Thursdays to Sundays. For the latest information and availability please visit our website .

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The Macallan Distillery

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

The Macallan Distillery - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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MACALLAN DISTILLERY TOUR

Macallan distillery tour.

EXPERIENCE THE MACALLAN DISTILLERY WITH WHISKYWHEELS

During our whisky tours in Speyside, many of our customers make sure they visit the Macallan distillery and join the world famous Macallan distillery tour. One of the most iconic Scotch whiskies in the world, the Macallan distillery moved to new premises on the Macallan estate in 2018.

Around £140 million was spent on the new Macallan distillery and many whisky experts view the Macallan distillery tour experience as the future of whisky.

In addition to the exquisite whiskies that Macallan has on offer, the distillery recently won the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and is quite something to behold.

The judges’ comments: “The attention to detail and the consistency and control of aesthetic decisions in this building is incredibly impressive. A worthy winner.”

Inspired by the beautiful surrounding landscape and the whisky production process, which has taken place on The Macallan Estate since 1824, the structure’s profile resembles ancient Scottish earthworks.

Toby Jeavons, project architect said: ‘We are thrilled that The Macallan distillery has been awarded the Doolan for 2019. It was an incredible project to have been a part of and which was only possible due to our forward-looking and ambitious client in The Macallan.

The small group style Macallan distillery tours that are on offer are guided by a local whisky expert, ranging from 2.5 to 4 hours, there are a few options to choose from for your Macallan distillery tour. Book early to confirm your place.

In addition or as an alternative, our customers enjoy visiting the Macallan bar. This is an exclusive experience that you cannot get anywhere else. There are over 950 whiskies, ranging over 70 years, served by friendly and knowledgeable staff. We recommend trying a whisky flight which includes some of the limited editions and exclusives that you can’t find at most whisky bars in Scotland or indeed, the world.

Macallan not only have various distillery tours to choose from, they have a fantastic boutique shop which stocks their core range, potentially distillery and travel retail exclusive bottles.  Macallan being one of the most collectable and sought-after whisky brands, visiting the Macallan distillery and taking part in their tour can give the whisky investor more insight into what the future brings.

There is also a lovely brasserie inside the Macallan whisky distillery, very conveniently located so you can grab something to eat before or after your Macallan distillery tour or bar tasting. Elchies brassiere stocks excellent local produce from Speyside. We can make reservations for you. Book early to confirm your spot.

We recommend this tour for everyone interested in whisky, the distillery truly is unique, and the estate and local history is really quite special.

As noted on the Macallan webiste, there is limited availability for spaces on their tours. To book in advance, visit the Macallan webiste.

Our Whisky Trifecta Tour and our Speyside Whisky Tour can include Macallan on the itinerary if there is tour availability. In addition, for bar tastings, boutique visits, breakfasts and lunch Friday to Sunday inclusive. Alternatively, please contact us if you only require transport to the Macallan distillery or wish to add your own Macallan booking to some of our recommended tour stops to make an unforgettable whisky tour. 

Alternatively, we can contact Macallan directly if you are looking for a private tour Monday to Friday.

Booking months in advance is recommended. 

For bespoke bookings or for more information, please contact [email protected]

We provide bespoke whisky tours in Scotland.

07549 839 684 (UK)

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[email protected]

Phone Number: 01224 742 444

Mobile number: 0743 653 4628, email address: [email protected].

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Macallan Distillery Tour

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"Malt Whisky Country" Moray, Speyside

The new Macallan whisky distillery in Moray, Speyside, "The Malt Whisky Country", cost £140 million pounds and took the past 3 years to build. It opened in May 2018 has 36 copper stills , 21 wash backs , 5 grassed over hillocks covering the new still house and visitor centre with a much increased whisky production capacity and Tours and storage of 35 new warehouses.

Basic whisky Tour Price is £15 per person last 1.5 hours with a tasting session included which must be reserved in advance online for your chosen time and date. Please bear in mind that this distillery is located 1.5 hours drive north west of Aberdeen at Craigellachie, Morayshire. 

Please see the web site on: www.themacallan.com

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The Macallan Distillery

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

THE MACALLAN DISTILLERY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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• Macallan Mastery Tour

Macallan Distillery

Explore the delights of whisky country with one of our Speyside whisky tours, taking in the picturesque Macallan Distillery and includes one evening at the Dowans Hotel set high above the Spey Valley

The Macallan Mastery Tour is one of our open afternoon tours, allowing you to choose from several options after lunch. This experience delves deeper into the whisky making process and starts with a welcome dram at The Macallan Whisky Wall before enjoying a dining experience in the “Elchies Brasserie”, paired with wines. You will be led on an in-depth production experience through the distillery, before being guided through a tutored tasting of a carefully curated selection of Macallan whiskies in the iconic Cave Priveé and The Macallan Bar. After your experience, your hosts will be available to offer a personal shopping experience in The Macallan Boutique.

After lunch the choice is yours! We can either arrange another visit to one of the distilleries close which include Strathisla, Cardhu, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, Balvenie or Glenallachie or a visit to the Speyside Cooperage. For the collectors, we can also arrange a visit and tour of the Whisky Hammer, known online for the monthly whisky auctions they hold.

Macallan distillery sits on the banks of the Spey, at the heart of Glenlivet, the cradle of the great malts. The Macallan distillery is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery in Craigellachie, Moray, Scotland. The Macallan is generally considered the second or third highest-selling single-malt scotch, next to Glenfiddich and, by some accounts, Glenlivet. Known as the “Rolls Royce among Malts”, it is one of the best-known Single Malt Whisky brands worldwide.

Dowans Hotel

Set high above the village of Charlestown of Aberlour and overlooking the River Spey, this elegant country hotel is an ideal venue for shooting and fishing, and for whisky lovers. The Dowans Hotel of Speyside was built over 100 years ago and offers the chance for a relaxing break. All rooms are ensuite and have excellent views over the beautiful gardens or views of the River Spey and the surrounding woodland.

Example Tour

• The World-Famous Highlander Inn for lunch
• One night stay at Dowans Hotel
• Afternoon Choices
• Distillery Visit “Strathisla, Cardhu, Glenfiddich, Glenfarclas, Balvenie or Glenallachie”
• Visit the Speyside Cooperage
• Visit the Whisky Hammer

Prices are indicative only and based on a minimum group of two people. Prices are dependent on tour locations, tour packages and hospitality requirements.

Bespoke Tours

We don’t just do whisky! If you would like to tour some of our other famous landmarks, such as the phenomenal Castle Trail or stunning Coastal Route, please get in touch with us directly, and we can arrange a bespoke tour for your holiday! 

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Reschedule at any time if your plans change

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The Macallan

Nestled above the River Spey just outside Craigellachie, the Macallan is a jewel in the crown of Speyside. Founded by Alexander Reid in 1824, the distillery is surrounded by the 485 acre Easter Elchies estate.

The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. The distillery produces a number of expressions in its core Sherry Oak series which can be found in a 12-year-old and 18-year-old version with a 10-year-old and 30 year old cask strength (58%) expression being available. Rare special releases and other small production run bottlings are released periodically and quickly become collectable.

The Macallan draws on the contributing factors of Spanish oak, North American casks and of course Scotch Whisky brought together using traditional methods and craftsmanship.

In July 2019 a new and striking visitor centre opened at the heart of the estate. Edrington Group invested £140 million new distillery and visitor experience which drew international acclaim for its bold vision and blending with the surrounding landscape. Designed by London-based Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners it made the shortlist for the Stirling Prize for excellence in architecture.

This new experience takes guests through the heritage of The Macallan which includes a full distillery tour and a sampling some of their single malt whiskies. You will be welcomed with The Macallan roast coffee and home baked scones, before exploring The Macallan Whisky Wall.

You will then be led by one of their friendly and knowledgeable hosts through the Distillery experience, including a guided tour of the iconic Cave Priveé for a tutored tasting Macallan whiskies, before visiting The Macallan Bar for a final whisky experience.

A visit to The Macallan is well worth the journey on either our single or multi-day private whisky tours.

Interestingly, there is something of a run on rare and expensive Macallans. Over the last decade the price bid at auction has pushed through the £1m barrier. As recently as February 2020 a bottle of 60 year-old 1926 Macallan with a label by Valerio Adami was sold for a hammer price US$1 million.

The Macallan Distillery Craigellachie Aberlour Speyside AB38 9RX

https://www.themacallan.com

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Find Your Tour

Macallan distillery.

The Macallan Distillery is signposted from the village of Craigellachie and it is only about 2 miles from the village. The distillery is situated just off the B9102 to Archiestown. The Macallan is a premium quality whisky, they insist upon the exclusive use of the traditional “Golden Promise” barley, and the maturing of the whisky in specially procured Sherry casks. Depending on the time of year, the access road to the distillery will be surrounded by fields of Golden Promise Barley.  The Edrington Group, which owns the Macallan distillery, have taken the bold move to revamp the distillery and visitor centre so it is now the most modern and high technology looking distillery in Scotland. Where there were once large "sheds" for the mash tuns and still rooms, there are now cleverly landscaped semi-subterranean buildings that blend the distillery into the green fields of the landscape.  The building is a stunning piece of modern architecture that combines functionality with organic shapes and materials. We've deliberately kept some pictures of the old distillery buildings in the gallery so you can see just how radically different the new distillery buildings are. Some might find the modernity of the distillery controversial in an industry so steeped in tradition, but it makes sense to us. The original distillery buildings were never going to have quite the same picturesque old world charm of a distillery such as nearby Strathisla. So the architects took the right decision to capitalise on the attractive rural setting of the distillery by blending it tastefully into the open farmland above the River Spey.

Advance booking is advised and can be done via the Macallan Distillery website .

A range of  distillery tour and tasting options are available for the whisky connoisseurs and these range from £35 to £250 which is a reflection of the rarity of the Macallan "expressions" that you will get to taste,

The Macallan Discovery Experience - A guided tour of the distillery that includes a tutored tasting of some carefully selected Macallan whiskies in the "Cave Priveé", before a visit to The Macallan Bar for a final whisky experience. Price: £50.00 per person / Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes / Frequency: Saturday and Sunday at 11:00am

The Macallan Mastery Experience - This is a luxury experience for the gastronome. It combines tutored whisky tastings with a 2-course lunch that is paired with fine wines. After lunch, you are led on an in-depth production experience through the distillery, followed by a tutored tasting of exclusive expressions of Macallan whiskies selected from the "Cave Priveé". And if that isn't enough whisky for you, the tour price also includes a "whisky flight" in the Macallan Bar. You will also receive a commemorative engraved glass as a souvenir of your visit. After all that whisky and wine you might need something to help you remember the experience. Price: £250.00 per person / Duration: 4 hours / Frequency: Saturday and Sunday at 12:00pm

Please note:  During 3 weeks in July the distillery is closed for maintenance and NOT in production. During this 'silent season' special tour arrangements are in operation and must be checked with the distillery.

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The Macallan Distillery

European protected species.

Pronounced  – ma-CALLAN

Meaning  – “Magh” a flat fertile place & “allan” from Saint Fillian, who was reputed to have passed on the secrets of distilling.

Our interesting fact!  – The Macallan distillery borders the River Spey and it has its own salmon fishing beat which is let out during the season.

Eco & Sustainability  – For 200 years the distillery has been the custodian of a 485 acre estate and have an ethos nurturing and protecting the land. Their Habitat Management Plan ensures the protection and enhancement of the many species of wildlife and plants, including 7 identified European Protected Species, via a schedule of rolling annual projects.

Their work with the Spey Fishery Board supports and protects the repopulation of Atlantic Salmon.

Charitable donations include  The Guggenheim Foundation’s  Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion Initiative and  City Harvest London,  putting fresh, surplus food to good use in a sustainable way.

The distillery repurposes the by-products and natural residue from the distillation process as crop fertiliser for their very own estate-grown barley, and their pot ale and draff co-product are used as animal feed on their neighbouring farm.

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13 of the best distillery tours in Scotland

Scotland excels in whisky tourism with distilleries that please everyone, from the quietly curious to serious connoisseurs and cocktail-sipping bon viveurs.

S tate-of-the-art technologies, groundbreaking innovation and show-stopping architecture are all helping to propel the country’s distilleries well into the 21st century with imagination, ambition and a pioneering spirit. A raft of future-facing trailblazers are looking to attract and excite the coming generations of whisky drinkers with lighter, more versatile whiskies that lend themselves to cocktails. Interactive, immersive tours, sophisticated tastings, food pairings and sustainable credentials are defining the new wave of whisky experiences and young up-and-coming distilleries. But some things never change; visiting a whisky distillery should be a slow pleasure that provides the chance to savour Scotland’s beauty, whether it is shining in the sun or glowering under gunmetal skies heavy with rain. Which is, after all, whisky’s essential ingredient. Here’s our pick of the best distillery tours in Scotland.

Times Travel has partnered with Tourhub to bring our readers a wide selection of escorted tours from trusted travel partners. Here, we’ve selected the very best distillery tours in Scotland. For a bigger selection, visit Tourhub .

Main photo: Lagavulin Distillery on the island of Islay, Scotland (Alamy)

2. Johnnie Walker, Princes Street, Edinburgh

Best for an immersive experience Styled as a shiny, high-tech department store spread over eight floors opposite the castle, the Johnnie Walker experience in Edinburgh is an unparalleled interactive extravaganza of light, sound, smell, music and special effects. Complete an online questionnaire before arriving to establish a personal flavour profile then sample specially tailored whisky cocktails during the tour. Enjoy the drama of Johnnie Walker’s life unfold on stage, from young farmer to whisky pioneer and top-hatted dandy. For connoisseurs there’s a vault filled with old and rare whiskies in the cellar. Don’t miss the elegant roof-top bars with views to the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh Castle.

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3. The Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, Speyside

Best for style and design Perched in a remote glen on the edge of Cairngorm National Park, the Glenlivet was recently refurbished to create an elegant new visitor space more akin to a luxury hotel. Step through the main doors to be greeted by a plush, subtly lit space with a huge chandelier made from dried wildflowers. Learn about Glenlivet’s whisky through an immersive experience that delves into both the production and history. Later, repair to a private room to experience old and rare whiskies or try the astonishing cocktail capsules that melt on the tongue, followed by whisky-chocolate pairings. You can hand-fill your own cask-strength bottle of Glenlivet too.

4. Lagavulin, Islay

Best for tradition A whisky suffused with the briny, earthy notes of this windswept Inner Hebridean island, Lagavulin is one of Scotland’s most beloved peaty whiskies — and it’s also the favourite of Parks and Recreation ’s Ron Swanson. Join the charming Iain McArthur, who, with over 50 years of service, informs and entertains visitors in equal measure on cask tasting sessions. One of the older and more traditional distilleries on Islay, Lagavulin is famed for its distinctive red chimney, unusual pear-shaped stills and gorgeous views over the bay in front. For those who find the strong, smoky flavour a little too robust, there are younger, lighter expressions of Lagavulin available too.

5. Glenkinchie, Tranent, East Lothian

Best for a nature experience Hidden away in the heart of rural East Lothian, the Glenkinchie distillery creates a light floral whisky within a smart, newly refurbished red-brick Victorian building overlooking a charming wildflower garden pollinated by the bees of three hives. This brand new visitor centre has already been awarded Scotland’s prestigious Green Tourism Gold Award. Its hi-tech multisensory tour is a “flavour journey” that will delight, as will the enormous model that captures the distillery in miniature, built for the 1924 Empire exhibition. Afterwards head upstairs to the Scandi-influenced bar with elegant Ercol furniture and lovely garden views to enjoy a dram or two.

6. Edradour, Pitlochry, Perthshire

Best for old-fashioned charm Scotland’s smallest distillery is also one of the most picturesque, where little has changed in terms of whisky-making since it opened in 1825. Supplied by the pure waters from the springs of nearby Ben Vrackie, this handcrafted whisky has a classic range characterised by rich fruitcake flavours with a sweetness imbued by sherry casks. But Edradour offers a memorably smoky, heavily peated incarnation too. Start your tour with a couple of drams in the old malt barn and end with some pleasingly retro gifts such as mustard, marmalade, fudge and old-school tea towels in the shop.

7. Bunnahabhain, Port Askaig, Islay

Best for striking views A long narrow winding road overlooking the glorious Paps of Jura leads to Bunnahabhain, Islay’s most remote distillery. A brand new visitor space built in the style of a traditional boat house brings an array of tours where aficionados can admire the tallest “swan-neck” stills on the island and enjoy tutored tastings overlooking the stunning Sound of Islay. Unusually for an Islay whisky, Bunnahabhain’s signature style is unpeated, although in keeping with its roots, the distillery does produce some peated whiskies for those who like a smoky hit.

8. Macallan, Aberlour, Speyside

Best for architecture This £140 million flagship distillery and visitor experience is housed in a spectacular award-winning building on the Easter Elchies estate in Speyside. The antithesis of the traditional pagoda-style distillery, the Macallan is a semi-subterranean operation with a gently undulating roof that echoes the shape of the surrounding hills, and is topped with a wildflower sedum roof. There’s also a bar, a brasserie and a boutique, and special private tours are available that include a tutored tasting in Macallan’s iconic “cave privée” and a dram with the head ghillie in the estate’s fishing lodge.

Price £-£££

9. Hearach, Tarbert, Isle of Harris

Best for reviving tradition The Isle of Harris distillery is best known for the product it’s making while waiting for its first whisky to mature: gin. Reviving a whisky-making tradition lost 170 years ago, the first lightly peated Hearach (Gaelic for a Harris islander) has been created using soft Hebridean water running over some of the oldest rocks in the world, and is currently maturing in bourbon and sherry casks. Time and taste will tell when it’s ready. Meantime, visitors can discover the people and processes creating this special whisky that expresses the deep elemental nature of this wild and lovely landscape on the edge of the Atlantic.

10. Jura, Isle of Jura

Best for the journey A spectacularly beautiful island dominated by the Paps — its famed mountains — Jura has one road, one shop, one terrifying whirlpool and one distillery. Take the long way round via a CalMac ferry to neighbouring Islay or nip across in 45 minutes on a foot passenger cruiser from the mainland at Tayvallich. Both are unforgettable, and a distillery at the end is just the icing on the cake. Take a tour and discover how this little distillery has risen from the ashes to create its own distinctive island brand. Every September the distillery celebrates Jura and its whisky with a festival of traditional music, dancing and a few drams.

11. Strathisla, Keith, Speyside

Best for picturesque charm Established in 1786, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands and the single malt at the heart of Chivas Regal blends. Distinctive by its traditional pagoda-style roof, the beautifully kept Strathisla sits in a bucolic setting on the banks of the River Isla. Tours exploring the ancient craft of distilling and blending are led by expert but informal guides, and include everything from a stroll around the distillery grounds and local landmarks, to a cask-strength tasting, creating a personal blend and sampling limited edition single malts.

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12. Raasay, Isle of Raasay

Best for community spirit Almost singlehandedly reviving this island community, Raasay started off with gin in 2017 while maturing its first whisky. In the process it created a distillery, a visitor centre, a shop, a bar and a charming whisky hotel while arresting population decline on this tiny streak of land off the east coast of Skye. Setting out to emulate some older styles of Hebridean malts, the result is its flagship Raasay single malt which is lightly peated with dark fruit flavours. Tastings and tours are for connoisseurs and the curious alike, while enjoying one of the most dramatic views in Scotland, across to the Cuillin mountains on Skye.

13. Glenmorangie, Tain, Ross-shire

Best for groundbreaking innovation Presided over by Dr Bill Lumsden, sometimes called the Willy Wonka of whisky, Glenmorangie is firmly looking to the future with its science and its architecture. Marvel at the Lighthouse, the distillery’s magnificent glass innovation centre/whisky lab towering over the surrounding Victorian stone buildings with views over the Dornoch Firth. An award-winning master distiller, Lumsden was the genius responsible for finishing Glenmorangie’s whiskies in sweet wine casks, helping to produce their signature light, fruity, spicy flavours. Stay nearby at the delightful 17th-century Glenmorangie House and your distillery tour will be complimentary.

• Read our full Glenmorangie House review

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Whisky Tour - Magnificent Macallan - From Edinburgh

• Bottled water
• Entry/Admission - The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience
• Entry/Admission - Glenfiddich Distillery
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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The Macallan and Cirque Du Soleil Team Up for Whisky and Thrilling Stunts

The show will take place at the macallan distillery in scotland throughout may., rachel cormack.

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Mixing Scotch with acrobatics is usually a no-no, but not if the Macallan is involved.

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“We’re welcoming guests from all over the world to our estate for this spectacular experience, offering them the opportunity for a breathtaking performance and a bespoke whisky-tasting experience, all unique to the Macallan,” the distillery’s creative director Jaume Ferràs said in a statement.

“With this invitation, we’re welcoming guests to a transformative experience in the timeless beauty of the Macallan Estate,” adds Cirque du Soleil’s creative director Marie-Hélène Delage. “Together, we’ve written a tale that celebrates the beauty, wonder, and deep connection we all share with the natural world.”

Beyond the entertainment, the experience carries an environmental message. The Macallan says the performance serves as a love letter to the sublime landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, emphasizing the need to reconnect with nature and protect natural landscapes.

The Cirque du Soleil Spirit show will take place at 8:30 p.m. each day (excluding Sundays) from May 9 to 31. Tickets are priced at £200 (approximately $250) per person. Bottoms up.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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