On Thursday night I ventured to the financial district, down to Pine street, and came upon a treasure of inspiration... the Macallan Manor. I was Invited to attend but had no idea of what me and my friend were about to walk into.
When you enter in to this worldly experience you are transported into a mystical forest to experience Macallan's Double Cask 12.
This immersive experience is set to make you feel like you are fashionably hiking into the enchanted forest to learn about the Macallan brand.
Before you start the tour there is a greeter that suggest you put on a wool hat, a hunting vest, or other item of clothing to help you get into character. How fun!
But being the girl I am - I opted not to change my look, liking my velvet jumpsuit in an appropriate Macallan whisky golden yellow, but my friend decided he should opt for the vest so his Insta-images would have a more regal Macallan feel to them.
We are escorted into what is essentially a ball room, with paintings on the walls and a prewar historic look to it. In the center of the room is exactly as promised. A man- made magical forest exists, complete with plush artificial lawn beneath our feet, wet moss smell, real tree trunks, and of course Macallan Double Cast 12.
Startling us, a man appears from behind a tree, in character and ready to explain what we are all going to experience in "his" forest. Complete with an accent and all. He explains that in this forest are stations set up to educate us about the different regions of wood, American and European, and how they give the whisky its distinctive taste. This was amazing! The space itself was incredible, and the fact that we were ( a group of 20 of us) tasting this Macallan and being educated in this immersive way was going to have me / us never forget this experience.
After the forest, we travel to another room in what feels like a real life game of clue. In this room there are tables set up and across the back of the room is a replica of what looks like a cellar of wooden barrels. Here we experience the notes. On each table is a glass
vessel with the encased notes of chocolate, orange, vanilla, all examples of the of what goes into the Sherry Oak 12 a single barrel European sherry cask experience.
Again there is a knowledgeable greeter with an impeccable accent explaining all about the blind tasting he is leading us through. This is fun, we are taught how to swirl, and "chew" the sip to bring out the flavors. The grand greeter tells us to take a bite of cheese and then sip again, bringing out new flavors like magic. My appreciation for Macallan is on a whole new level now.
Next we go down to yet another magnificent room. More of a study. All I / we can think of is… it Miss Scarlet, in the library, with the candle stick. In actuality it is a tasting of Fine Oak 15 European Sherry seasoned cask, an American Sherry seasoned cask, and an American Bourbon Cask. My appreciation for the craft of creating any of the Macallan's bottles is intensified. I had no idea of what amazing nuances are configured into the creation of a bottle, and what craft goes into the making of a bottle.
Two new characters appear in this new setting, and explain about the history of Macallan and how it is perfect for sharing stories and for social drinking. Perfect, for sipping, exactly where we were - in a study with a fireplace, surrounded by 20 of our new friends.
What a way to enjoy a Thursday.
To add to the entire experience, when we first entered the building everyone was given a coin. We had no idea what it was for but held on to it. Now we learned what this coin was for special admission into the last room, a speak easy club house bar. Created specially for this event. Here we were treated with the Macallan Rare Cask which comes from the top 5% of cask aging and maturation. My friend was loving this. He is this guy, the one that appreciates a single malt scotch whisky, and was completely wow'ed with this entire presentation. I know what to get him this holiday season. (smile)
I have a whole new appreciation for Macallan whisky. Now I understand what care, craft, history, and more goes into the creation of a bottle of Macallan.
Go try some yourself, its pretty remarkable.
Enjoy!
