The incredible journey of our wood, and the story of Double Cask, originates far from Speyside in two continents and diverse terrains, thousands of miles apart. Celebrated photographer Steve McCurry documented the unique conditions of the forests that lay the groundwork for the Double Cask Collection.
DIFFERENCES BORN OF CLIMATE AND CONTINENT
We use both American and European oak as the variation of climate, temperature and humidity have a distinct impact on the trees and the resulting wood staves that form our casks.
AMERICAN OAK
American oak is grown and harvested in the forests of Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio. Harvested when they mature to 70 years old, the cooler, more humid conditions of these regions result in a tight grain and less porous wood. Growing tall and straight, American oak contributes lighter notes including citrus, vanilla and coconut.
EUROPEAN OAK
Closely related yet thousands of miles apart, our European oak grows in the hilly northern regions of Spain. Amidst heavy rainfall and mild winters, these slower growing trees mature at around 100 years. European oak is distinguished by the high number of tannins present- up to five times as many as the American oak. The tannins provide a level of astringency, as well as help create distinct notes of dried fruits, spices and orange.
THE MACALLAN DOUBLE CASK 12 YEARS OLD
Patiently matured for 12 years in American and European oak sherry seasoned casks creates a distinctive, warm character of this harmonious single malt.
The trees are then quarter cut into staves, and transported to Jerez de la Frontera, Spain where they are left to dry for another year. The moisture of the wood plays an important role when it comes time for the staves to be formed into casks, and ultimately how the whisky oxygenates as it matures. At this stage we wait until the staves have between 12-16 percent moisture content.
Once the wood is dry, it then becomes the key player in a revered and one-of-a-kind process known as ‘the standing of the casks’. It is here, under the pressure of heat and flame, they are shaped by hand into The Macallan casks.