The Macallan releases £25K 50-year-old single malt

Lusted after whisky brand The Macallan has released a limited-edition 50-year-old single malt priced at an eye-watering £25,000 a bottle.

Aged in Sherry-seasoned casks for half a century, according to Macallan the whisky is “rich and complex” with “sweet oak vanilla and blackcurrant characters, a hint of spice and a beautiful vibrant amber colour”.

On the palace, the 44% ABV 50-year-old offers mouth-coating notes of “fudge and toffee”, followed by “warming black peppercorns, orange peels and figs”.

The finish meanwhile, is “incredibly viscous, long and slightly dry from the subtle peat notes”. Just 200 70cl bottles of the elixir have been released worldwide.

“After being left to mature for half a century in our exceptional Sherry-seasoned oak casks, this wonderfully rare single malt is full of rich flavour and beautiful natural colour,” said The Macallan’s master distiller Nick Savage.

“Coveted by whisky connoisseurs and collectors across the globe, The Macallan 50 Years Old is an incredible addition to our expanding range of unique, mature whiskies and marks another pinnacle of The Macallan whisky makers’ art.

“With a finite volume of 200 bottles worldwide, this is a highly limited release, providing the chance to own something world-class and extraordinary,” he added.

The liquid is presented in a solid oak box featuring an etched face inlaid with a matte gold-badged age statement.

In tandem with the release, The Macallan has discontinued its 1824 Series and has launched a striking new label design across its single malt whisky range.

An in-depth look at the rising popularity of old and rare single malts, both at release and at auction appears in the March issue of the drinks business.