The Macallan Single Malt Scotch Whiskey on sale for Jerez Sherry casks

The Macallan has acquired a 50% stake in venerable Spanish sherry producer Bodegas Grupo Estévez. Glasgow-based Edrington, which owns The Macallan, didn’t name the deal, calling it a “significant investment”.

Igor Boyadjian, Managing Director of The Macallan, said the joint venture with Grupo Estévez “and their superb and historic sherries” is the next natural step in The Macallan’s pursuit of “unparalleled craftsmanship and whiskey mastery” to ensure a sustained supply of the highest quality whiskey Ensure quality sherry production for its sherry-flavored casks.

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The new partnership will add Grupo Estévez’s Valdespino brand of ultra-premium sherries and aperitifs to the Edrington portfolio, and the growth of these beverages will be supported by The Macallan’s sales and marketing capabilities in select international markets.

Grupo Estévez, led by CEO José Ramón Estévez, owns renowned vineyards and bodegas in the Jerez “Sherry Triangle” where Valdespino’s sherries and aperitifs are produced and aged.

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Scott McCroskie, CEO of Edrington, said: “The Estévez family is a perfect partner for The Macallan in Jerez as they own some of the best sherries and vermouths in the world and are custodians of these historic vineyards and bodegas. This is a promising partnership for The Macallan in the brand’s ongoing commitment to continue to produce exceptional quality single malt Scotch whiskeys loved by consumers around the world.”

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Mr Estévez said he and his family are incredibly excited to be forming a joint venture with The Macallan, noting that Grupo Estévez has so far focused on the production of their sherries and aperitifs.

He added: “This will be the first time we have used our beautiful sherry to flavor casks and we are delighted that we will be doing so exclusively for The Macallan, which is synonymous with the highest quality Scotch Whisky. We look forward to contributing to this quality by seasoning The Macallan casks with our sherry for years to come.”

Edrington said: “Valdespino is one of the most historic and renowned bodegas in Jerez, dating back to 1264 and owning exclusive vineyards in the Pago de Macharnudo, considered Jerez’s ‘Grand Cru’.”

It added: “Sherry winemaking expertise will be retained by the existing leadership team, led by José Ramón Estévez, CEO of Grupo Estévez.”

Mr Boyadjian said: “Our partnership with Grupo Estévez builds on The Macallan’s longstanding, deep relationship with the Jerez community and with our wide range of valued suppliers in the sherry industry, who have always played a crucial role in the quality of our exceptional Scotch Whiskey.

“We select our sherried oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. The partnership with Grupo Estévez demonstrates the creativity and innovation that have driven The Macallan since its inception almost 200 years ago and continues the evolution of the brand through the collaboration of masters with masters.”