Macallan × Highland Park: A Seated Masterclass

Two distilleries. Two distinct landscapes. One deep dive into what makes Scotch so endlessly diverse.

Join us for an immersive evening led by Alex Thibault of Edrington, as we explore the history, craft, and terroir behind two of Scotland’s most celebrated single malt producers—Macallan and Highland Park. This seated masterclass offers a guided look at how place, process, and cask shape flavor—from Speyside’s refined orchard-fruited warmth to Orkney’s windswept maritime intensity.

Rather than just tasting, we’ll take a closer look at why these whiskies taste the way they do. We’ll examine how the smallest details—barley variety, fermentation length, still design, and wood selection—add up to the personality and texture in each glass. Expect a relaxed, interactive format with structured tasting prompts that make it easy to connect what you’re learning to what you’re tasting.

Sense of Place (Terroir):
Discover how climate, geography, and local resources define style. From Speyside’s fertile valleys to Orkney’s salt-stung coasts, we’ll explore how each environment leaves its fingerprint on the spirit. 🌬️

Production & Process:
Learn how choices in malting, fermentation, and distillation create depth and character—and why Highland Park’s use of local Orkney peat or Macallan’s unique still shape matter more than you might think. ⚙️

Cask Influence & Maturation:
Wood is where time meets flavor. We’ll unpack European vs. American oak, first-fill vs. refill casks, and how sherry seasoning, bourbon history, and blending techniques guide the flavor arc of each whisky. 🪵

Macallan

• Sherry Oak 12 — Rich, spiced fruit and warming oak.
• Double Cask 15 — Sherry-seasoned American & European oak in perfect balance.
• Rare Cask — A deep, raisined richness from exceptional casks.
• Harmony Collection — A creative exploration in flavor and sustainability.

Highland Park

• 12 Year — Heather honey, soft smoke, and Orkney sea air.
• 18 Year — Layers of toffee, dried citrus, and elegant peat.
• Cask Strength — Uncut and unapologetic; intense spice and coastal brine.

Macallan (Speyside):
Founded in 1824, Macallan has earned its reputation as one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries through precision and patience. Every drop is shaped by copper stills designed for richness and by sherry-seasoned oak casks that impart notes of dried fruit, spice, and deep amber warmth. Known for its silky texture and layered complexity, Macallan is the embodiment of Speyside refinement.

Highland Park (Orkney):
Far to the north, Highland Park draws its character from isolation and elemental power. Wind-swept by the North Sea, the Orkney Islands lend the whisky a briny, floral edge—balanced by gentle smoke from the island’s heather-rich peat. Since 1798, Highland Park has combined Viking heritage with meticulous craftsmanship, producing whiskies that are both rugged and beautifully composed.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 6:00–8:30 PM
Location: Spencer & Lynn Wine & Spirits Merchants, 17 W Main St., Mystic, CT
Tickets: $30 per person (21+ only; ID required)
Host: Alex Thibault, The Edrington Group
Exclusive Offer: 10% off all purchases for the evening ✨