200 Years Young: A Spotlight on Heritage at The Macallan

Abstract

The Macallan Speyside single malt Scotch whisky celebrated ‘200 Years Young’ in 2024. Founded by teacher, farmer and distiller Alexander Reid in 1824, there are many moments to celebrate and stories to tell. A programme of celebrations and product releases throughout the year honoured The Macallan’s legacy, all underpinned by a rich and diverse business archive collection which documents the company’s heritage, creativity and craftsmanship. Having been formally established in 2018, The Macallan Heritage is far more than a source of inspiration for the brand. The collection encompasses the stories of the people and places that have built and shaped The Macallan; evidences the evolution of the brand’s DNA; and documents the journey of The Macallan products. Written from an archivist’s perspective, this article provides an overview of the formation and growth of a unique business archive and presents a reflective insight into the development process of an anniversary publication. To set the scene for the significance of The Macallan’s 200^th anniversary, it is first necessary to give an overview of the company’s heritage and provide some context for its place in the wider Scotch whisky industry. From this, it is possible to see how the development of The Macallan culminated in the wide-ranging celebrations which took place in 2024, each element of which is inspired by characters, traditions and milestones from its past, with an eye firmly on its future legacy.