Scotland’s sleekest whisky distillery finally has a fancy destination restaurant to match

One major aspect was missing: someplace to eat in splendour even as you tasted the noble whiskies of The Macallan. Various other Highland distilleries had actually ticked package before (Glenmorangie, Glenturret) but the Macallan Estate had only a brasserie with a fairly simple food selection– great as for it went, yet not rather on a par with the spectacular brand-new structure.

What about this would make this (in the words of Joan Roca) the ‘all-natural scenario for our international cooking launching? The distillery, the brand name’s deep heritage, and its take on espousal of modern design were significant tourist attractions. As were the raw materials the Rocas had actually been uncovering in their trips around Scotland: the fish landed at Peterhead harbour, the hand-gathered shellfish from these cold northern waters, the Highland cattle and wild game, the foraged active ingredients, the milk items made on household ranches.

For centuries, it’s been typical practice to age malt whisky in oak barrels, or barrels got second-hand from the bodegas of Jerez de la Frontera. The distillery even has a saw-mill in the north of Spain, giving straight accessibility to the prime oak woods of Galicia for those all-important casks.

Enter the Roca bros, 3 brother or sisters from the very same family of Spanish restaurateurs whose gastro-temple El Celler de Can Roca topped the World’s Best checklist in 2013 and 2015. When the brand-new distillery opened at the Macallan Estate, they were at the unveiling ceremony.

And few distilleries in Scotland have actually done much more to make whisky into a ‘location drink’ than The Macallan. When it opened up in 2018, Speyside locals were surprised by the structure’s skyrocketing indoor with its significant lights and cutting edge installments– a modern basilica consecrated to the worship of malt whisky.

Currently the response to his inquiry is below for all to see– and preference. The new dining establishment, fancifully named TimeSpirit, has sights over the Spey valley with floor-to-ceiling windows. Designer David Thulstrup, that did the insides at Noma in Copenhagen, has made a soft-edged, low-lit room using oak panels, wall surface coverings of steel mesh and wooden furniture in classy Scandinavian styles, the eight tables positioned vast apart for an intimate and comforting vibe.

A current supper at TimeSpirit revealed off the brothers’ innovative Hispano-Caledonian blend food, what with dishes like plankton mousse and Scottish seaweed, fermented barley long-simmered with caramelised yeast, Hebridean oysters steamed in whisky fumes, and whisky-marinated Highland beef flavoured with chestnut and oak bark. It’s a rewarding union, for certain, validating The Macallan’s place at the leading edge of contemporary whisky society.

And couple of distilleries in Scotland have actually done extra to make whisky into a ‘location beverage’ than The Macallan. It’s a worthwhile union, for certain, verifying The Macallan’s place at the leading side of modern whisky culture.

For any individual in any type of doubt about the eminence product around these parts, a road sign welcoming the motorist to ‘Malt Whisky Nation’ makes it crystal clear.

On a stark January day, the countryside around Inverness is repainted in icy tones of grey, brownish, light violet, and white. On the outskirts of stone-built towns– Knockando, Rothes, Aberlour– stand the leaden grey, pagoda-like types of distillery towers. For anyone in any kind of doubt concerning the reputation product around these components, a roadway indicator welcoming the driver to ‘Malt Whisky Country’ makes it clear.

In the 20th century, whisky tourist wasn’t actually a point. Up until recently, the idea that you may take a safari around the distilleries of the Highlands, maybe matching fine whiskies with great Scottish cuisine at on-site restaurants, was an unique one. However in 2025, look what’s happened: lots of, otherwise most, of the 51 distilleries running in Speyside, the heartland of Highland whisky production, currently welcome site visitors from throughout the globe, while no self-regarding resort within drinking range of Inverness can be without its devoted whisky bar, sampling, or lounge area.

The Spain/Scotland relationship has gotten to a new level of affection as, in October in 2015, the Roca siblings opened up a dining establishment inside the distillery itself– their initial venture outside their native Catalunya. In addition to the excellent Celler with its three Michelin stars, the Rocas have as numerous as 15 gastronomic companies in or near their home town, from diners and tapas bars to a gelato parlour, a wine bar and a couple of hotels. Besieged by deals to present the family members name worldwide, the bros had constantly rejected. For Scotland, nevertheless, and for The Macallan specifically, they would make an exemption.

Until lately, the concept that you might take a safari around the distilleries of the Highlands, possibly matching fine whiskies with fine Scottish cuisine at on-site restaurants, was an unique one. In 2025, look what’s occurred: lots of, if not most, of the 51 distilleries running in Speyside, the heartland of Highland whisky production, now welcome site visitors from all over the globe, while no self-regarding resort within drinking distance of Inverness can be without its devoted whisky tasting, lounge, or bar area.