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McClelland is a single malt Scotch whiskey with flavors characteristic of different regions of the country. There is no company under that name, a strong drink is produced at the factories of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, which was the first to receive a license to produce alcohol among the producers of the Scottish island of Islay. The main export destinations are the USA, Canada, France, Japan and South Africa.
Historical information
The first mention of the Bowmore plant is found in a source dated 1779. The first owner of the distillery was merchant David Simpson, his descendants sold the company to the Mutter brothers in the first half of the 50th century. After XNUMX years, the Great Depression led to a sharp drop in production, and the plant had to change more than one owner.
During the Second World War, the production of whiskey was stopped, and parts of the British Air Force were located in the shops. In 1963, the company was acquired by Stanley Morrison, and from that moment on, production reached a new level. In 2012, the first 54-year-old bottle of Islay rolled off the production lines of the distillery. In 2014, the distillery was acquired by Beam Suntory Corporation.
T&A McClelland’s was founded in 1818 in Glasgow as a blending and bottling company for scotch. Morrison Bowmore Distillers took over the business in 1970. McClelland’s has become one of the firm’s flagship brands. In the late 80s, a line was released that includes Highland, Islay and Lowland varieties with flavors characteristic of whiskey from different regions of Scotland. In 1999, Speyside was added to the series.
Production features
The prepared malt is fumigated with peat smoke from furnaces, where the temperature is maintained up to 60 °C. The process takes up to 2,5 days. The raw material is then delivered to the Porteus factory, crushed into crumbs and mixed with hot water for boiling. The finished wort with the addition of yeast is placed in pine vats for fermentation. The output is a liquid with a strength of 8%, which tastes like beer.
After double distillation in copper installations, alcohols with a strength of up to 69% are obtained, which become the basis of the future whiskey. Exposure takes place in barrels from different alcoholic beverages coming to the company from all over the world. The manufacturer prefers oak bourbon containers, which give the whiskey a golden color and vanilla sweetness, characteristic of traditional Scottish varieties.
Interesting Facts
In 1980, the English Queen Elizabeth II visited the enterprise. The management presented the honored guest with a barrel of whiskey, which was later bottled and sold, and the proceeds went to charity.
The whiskey label depicts the fictional character Mr. McClelland, an explorer who travels around Scotland, visiting the local attractions. The author of the drawings is the British artist Cathy White.
Types of Whiskey McClelland
McClelland’s Highland, 40%
Whiskey typical of the Scottish Highlands. Aged five years in American oak barrels, where bourbon was previously stored. The color of the drink is light golden. The aroma contains cedar, pine and vanilla notes. The taste is dominated by caramel shades, flavored with smoky tones.
McClelland’s Islay, 40%
A real island whiskey with the aroma of smoke and ash, which is mixed with the smells of citrus peel and cinnamon. On the palate, malt and woody tones are distinguished, which are replaced by sea salt and vanilla. The finish is dominated by smoky shades. The drink is tinted with caramelized sugar to a dark golden color.
McClelland’s Speyside, 40%
Soft honey-colored single malt whiskey, reflecting the features of drinks from areas of Scotland near the River Spey. Smoky notes are present only in the aftertaste. In a bright aroma, mint and pine are felt, the taste is characterized by notes of dried fruits, hazelnuts and oriental sweets.
McClelland’s Lowland, 40%
An amber colored whiskey typical of the Scottish Lowland region. The smell is floral-fruity with an admixture of oak and lemon zest. The taste is fresh and invigorating, with pronounced notes of mint, flowers and ginger. Burns a little at the finish.
