Exceptional Oak Casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality and distinctive aromas and flavours of The Macallan. Our casks are made from two primary wood types: European oak and American oak. European oak is cultivated in the regions of northern Spain including Galicia and Cantabria, and across the Pyrenees into Southern France.

European oak is harvested at around 100 years old. The region's typical humid climate and heavy rainfall offer the perfect environment for these trees and the use they serve. This environment results in European oak being more porous, with a higher level of tannins than its American counterpart. Tannins play a key role in the flavours and colours that the wood imparts to the spirit. The tannins provide the dried fruit and sweet spice flavours along with the gold to dark mahogany colours in The Macallan. 

Scotland and Ireland have been using European oak to make casks for their whiskies for close to two centuries. It was considered superior to wood grown in local forests as the grain type and presence of knots in English and Scottish oak made casks prone to leak. 

In contrast to the lighter lemon citrus and vanilla notes of American oak, European oak imparts a unique range of flavours including dried fruits, spices and orange citrus.

During the 1860s when Spanish sherry began to be imported to the UK, whisky distillers realised the rich flavours possible when they matured their spirits in sherry seasoned European oak casks. 

Although it takes a century for European oak to reach maturity, this slow growth infuses distinct flavour notes and a rich colour to our "new make spirit."