The Donut Is Back! Macallan's Time : Space Goes Sherry Cask With The Legendary Valdespino

When Macallan's TIME : SPACE collection was first unveiled in 2024 in celebration of the Speyside Scotch-maker's landmark 200th anniversary, the reactions came hard and fast - some called it a donut, others said it resembled a frisbee, and of course there were the UFO allegations.

Yet, as those who have come to try it will attest - the whisky inside was indeed really good and in many ways gave collectors something at the intersection of art and whisky, which is of course always of great appeal.

Fast forward 2 years later, Macallan is now releasing a Macallan TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask, this time given a deep yellow aesthetic, and containing inside a 20 year old Macallan that is said to be the first whisky from the producer to be influenced by Sherry casks seasoned with its own Valdespino sherry since Macallan's acquisition of the legendary Spanish fortified wine producer in 2023. As such, this new release is said to commemorate Macallan's shared future with Jerez de la Frontera's Valdespino.

As per Macallan, the TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask comes from a selection of whiskies aged in Sherry seasoned oak casks which was then allowed a marrying period in 200 of the first Sherry casks seasoned in Jerez de la Frontera with Valdespino's Sherry which had arrived at the Speyside distillery in 2024 as part of its 200th anniversary celebrations. As such the whisky has been aged in two phases of Sherry cask influences, with the latter including the influence of Valdespino Sherry - that is, 100% Sherry cask ageing in full.

In recent years, Macallan has signalled just how important Sherry is to the distillery which itself has become known for its use of Sherry casks. As such Macallan has not only acquired Sherry producer Valdespino, but has also acquired the Vasyma cooperage and Tevasa Forestal Group cooperage and sawmills in Jerez. It has also pursued a joint venture with Coopers Oak, which operates a specialist sawmill in Ohio that has been a longterm provider of American oak staves to Vasyma. With this deep network of Sherrymaking suppliers, Macallan has sought to produce a unique Sherry from Valdespino, which is said to be reminiscent of the drier Oloroso style, that will then be used to season American and European oak casks from Vasyma and Tevasa respectively. After seasoning, the Sherry is then used to produce Valdespino's Vermouth Origen.

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: Natural Colour.

Nose: A medley of sherry-soaked raisins, figs and medjool dates is complemented by sweet frangipane, cinder toffee and hints of caramelised nuts. Dark chocolate truffles sit alongside cinnamon, star anise and ginger to provide depth and richness.

Palate: Opulent and complex. Dried fruits – including sultanas, dates and apricots – and rich ginger cake are interwoven with treacle toffee, bramble jam and chocolate-coated cherries. A warmth develops from cloves and cinnamon sticks, leading to cocoa nibs and layers of polished oak.

Finish: Warming wood spices and a hint of espresso, with waves of gentle oak.

ABV: 44.8%

The Macallan TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask comes in a sun yellow presentation box that pays tribute to the craft of Sherry making and highlights its enduring importance to Macallan. "The circular design of the interior mirrors the shape of the grapes, while the warm yellow hue recalls the golden Andalusian sun filtering through ripening grapes; an essential influence in the creation of our sherry wine," says Macallan. The release also comes with a documentary narrated by famed photographer Steve McCurry and sommelier Josep Roca.

The new 20 Year Old Macallan TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask, bottled at 44.8% ABV, is priced at an RRP of £1,100 (US$1,474).

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team