Aging is vital to producing great Scotch like The Macallan. But the years do more than deepen and enrich the flavor of Scotch. Time can also enhance the dollar value of rare, limited edition masterworks, like The Macallan Editions, the first three of which are now selling together in collections on eBay for $1,000 - $1,400. It is worth noting that Edition Nos. 2 and 3 are still on the shelves in some areas, yet their value continues to appreciate. Of course, Scotch aficionados are already well aware of the bottled gold on shelves across the country, and as the already limited supply of these bottles shrinks, demand and sticker price will continue to grow on the secondary market.
Now, as the latest expression in the august line of The Macallan Editions, No. 4, makes its way to Breakthru’s warehouses, it might be time for a quick refresher on the history of these bottles and why they are fetching such incredible prices today.
Edition No. 1
Released in 2015, the inaugural Edition was matured in casks hand-selected by Master whisky maker, Bob Dalgarno. The casks included eight unique European and American oak cask styles and sizes, each imparting a unique character to the final product, working in harmony like instruments under the direction of a master conductor. Edition No.1 brought out light and soft oak notes, a surprising vibrancy, and rich, darker spice flavors from the liquid.
Unopened bottles of Edition No. 1 are currently selling for $480 on eBay.
Edition No. 2 
The second in the Edition series highlights how The Macallan’s commitment to, or perhaps “obsession with,” perfecting its oak casks delivers an impeccable Scotch to consumers. Edition No. 2 was created through a close, collaborative partnership with Bob Dalgarno and the Roca brothers, co-founders of El Celler de Can Roca (Spain). Their internationally famed establishment holds three Michelin stars and has been named best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine twice, in 2013 and 2015, and ranked No. 2 in 2011, 2012 and 2014.
Working together, Dalgarno and the three Roca brothers built No. 2 from flavors chosen to reflect their distinctive personalities. Four different Spanish cask suppliers helped the team realize these flavors through seven different and distinct cask styles, made from European and American oak.
Unopened bottles of Edition No. 2 are currently selling for $400 on eBay.
Edition No. 3
Building upon the runaway success of Edition Nos. 1 and 2, anticipation for Edition No. 3 was already high before word leaked that Dalgarno had called on the world’s most respected aroma expert to co-create the limited-edition Scotch. Master Perfumer Roja Dove contributed his singular expertise to delineate the distinctive aromas in The Macallan for this project, and Dalgarno selected the dominant flavor notes to enhance and shape the final character of Edition No.3. This edition delivered a sweet and fruity character, balancing a heavier base derived from the Tevasa cooperage sherry casks with the citrus notes of the Hudosa cooperage sherry casks. The light vanilla flavors in No. 3 are derived from the ex-Bourbon casks and florals and fresh cut oak from the European and American oak refill casks.
Edition No. 4 
Scotch lovers are already clamoring for Edition No. 4, the first in the line developed under the guidance of The Macallan’s new Master Distiller, Nick Savage. Edition No. 4 lays bare the whisky’s complex structure, contrasting it with rich flavors and taste of this newest expression. Like those Editions before it, No. 4 was shaped by exceptional oak casks that matured it, with the particular styles and woods imparting the liquid with outstanding quality, natural colors and the distinctive aromas and flavors consumers expect of The Macallan. This edition is a zesty, vibrant and invigorating single malt with notes of honey, sweet toffee and citrus fruits that will no doubt strike a chord with Scotch lovers, just as the first three have.
Make sure your business is positioning The Macallan Editions as an investment, as well as an indulgence, and talk to your Breakthru Sales Consultant to prepare for, and capitalize on, the arrival of Edition No. 4.