Macklowe Whiskey is an American whiskey brand founded by Julie Macklowe. The company specializes in producing the finest American single malt whiskey in small batches and offers a luxury experience to whiskey enthusiasts.
Our article will go through everything you need to know about this premium American whiskey brand and provide a short review of its products. Read on to learn more about the brand's history, what Macklowe Whiskey you can buy, and more.
Macklowe Whiskey: An Introduction
Macklowe Whiskey is an American whiskey company in Kentucky. It produces American single malt whiskey in small batches using locally sourced grains and premium Kentucky spring water.
Founded by Julie Macklowe, a collector of the world's rarest whiskeys, every bottle of Macklowe Whiskey is for whiskey enthusiasts looking for a luxurious experience to enjoy their favorite spirits. The brand has American single malt whiskeys aged from 45 months to 12 years.
Macklowe Whiskey in each bottle has everything you would expect to have in a high-end whiskey, from luxurious tasting notes to a full-bodied mouthfeel in every sip.
Naturally, you can expect to spend more than a typical whiskey you can find at your local liquor store on a bottle of Macklowe Whiskey. We'll cover the exact pricing for each bottle of Macklowe Whiskey in the later parts below.
What Is the Alcohol Content of Macklowe Whiskey?
Macklowe Whiskey is 46% ABV, regardless of the one you choose from this American brand. The alcohol content is at a typical range for most American single malt whiskeys, with many considering the 45-46% ABV the sweet point to get all the aromas and flavors of this spirit.
What Is the History of Macklowe Whiskey?
Macklowe Whiskey is the first luxury American single malt whiskey brand. It all started in 2019 when Julie Macklowe, inspired by her expansive collection of the world's best whiskeys, decided to launch her own whiskey brand. She did this with the help of Master Distiller Brendan McCarron and Master Blender Ian MacMillan.
Macklowe Whiskey debuted at the end of 2022 with the Private Collection, and the Kentucky Edition was released in May 2023. The brand sells four types of American single malt whiskey aged 45 months and 4, 9, and 12 years.
Due to the small batches of production and the high demand for every bottle of Macklowe Whiskey, you can order a maximum number of bottles per order. Some Macklowe Whiskey products are also only available for pre-order at the moment, and getting your hands on one can take more than a month.
Although Macklowe Whiskey was launched only a few years ago, the demand for its products proves how successful the brand has been in creating high-end American single malt whiskeys.
Where Is Macklowe Whiskey From?
Macklowe Whiskey is from Kentucky. The first batches of Macklowe Whiskey were distilled in Kentucky with the expertise of Master Distiller Brendan McCarron and Master Blender Ian MacMillan.
When Was Macklowe Whiskey Created?
Julie Macklowe founded Macklowe Whiskey in 2019. She launched the company with the debut of Private Collection in December 2022 and later launched the Kentucky Edition in May 2023.
What Types of Macklowe Whiskey Are There?
Macklowe Whiskey has four different products under Private Collection and Kentucky Edition. These collections are also known as Black and Gold Edition. Below, you'll learn more about different types of Macklowe Whiskey, including the MSRP, proof, and tasting notes of each, followed by a brief review.
Macklowe Whiskey Gold Edition: 45 Month Old Kentucky Whiskey
- MSRP: $271.99
- Proof: 46% ABV / 92 proof
- Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Nutty, Creamy Cereal
Gold Edition: 45 Month Old Kentucky Whiskey is Macklowe Whiskey's most available choice, perfect for American single malt enthusiasts looking for a go-to bottle to enjoy on a regular basis.
This 45-month-old American single malt whiskey is full of aromas on the nose, ranging from sweet oak to hedgerow flowers.
It has a well-balanced flavor profile with notes of creamy cereal and a good amount of nuttiness. The finish is robust and spicy. If you're looking for a high-end whiskey to enjoy regularly, this bottle from Kentucky Edition is one that you should definitely give a try.
Macklowe Whiskey Gold Edition: 4+ Year Old Kentucky Whiskey
- MSRP: $309.99
- Proof: 46% ABV / 92 proof
- Tasting Notes: Black Cherries, Wood Char, Honey, Light Caramel
With only 2,544 bottles available worldwide, Macklowe Whiskey's 4+ Year Old Kentucky Whiskey is one of the more affordable bottles from the only luxury American single malt whiskey brand. At $309.99 a bottle, it costs less than the Private Collection.
This high-end American single malt whiskey is exceptionally pleasant on the nose with a sweet and spicy aroma. It tastes just as pleasant, with an oily mouthfeel and notes of black cherries, wood char, honey, and light caramel. The finish is long and has a spicy kick to it. Overall, it is a rare American single malt whiskey that justifies its price.
Macklowe Whiskey Black Edition: 9 Year Old Single Cask Whiskey
- MSRP: $1,575.99
- Proof: 46% ABV / 92 proof
- Tasting Notes: Slightly Oily, Smooth, Fruitcake
Black Edition: 9 Year Old Single Cask Whiskey is one of the more "premium" options offered by Macklowe Whiskey. It won double gold in the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Black Edition: 9 Year Old Single Cask Whiskey has a sweet, oaky aroma with hints of fruity and floral aromatics. It is mouth-coating with its creamy and smooth texture, giving you intense flavors in each sip. The finish is spicy and stimulating but tapers down to a nice, pleasant ending.
With everything it offers, this American single malt whiskey is more for whiskey enthusiasts looking for something memorable.
Macklowe Whiskey Black Edition: 12 Year Old Single Cask Whiskey
- MSRP: $1,732.99
- Proof: 46% ABV / 92 proof
- Tasting Notes: Creamy, Smooth, Spicy Vanilla
Black Edition: 12 Year Old Single Cask Whiskey is Macklowe Whiskey's costliest bottle and offers a luxurious experience. It is also the most exclusive, with only 202 bottles available worldwide. It might be hard to find, but once you get your hands on one, it will definitely be worth the wait on the reserve list.
Black Edition: 12 Year Old Single Cask Whiskey has a tempting sweet vanilla aroma with hints of toasted oak. On the palate, it is striking with its creamy and smooth texture and well-balanced gingerbread and spicy vanilla notes, followed by a long, memorable finish. It is overall the definition of a luxurious American single malt whiskey.
What Ingredients Are in Macklowe Whiskey?
Macklowe Whiskey doesn't add anything extraordinary to create the world's first luxury American single malt whiskey. The brand employs traditional whiskey-making techniques with the latest technology and uses premium quality ingredients to craft its American single malt whiskey.
All Macklowe Whiskey products are made from locally sourced USDA Grade 1 and ultra-premium non-GMO two-row malted barley with premium Kentucky spring water to distill its products.
How Much Does Macklowe Whiskey Usually Cost?
Being a high-end whiskey brand, expect to spend more than average for a bottle of Macklowe Whiskey. Depending on the product, you can spend a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand. Here's an overview of the cost of each Macklowe Whiskey product.
- Gold Edition: 45 Month Old Kentucky Whiskey - $271.99
- Gold Edition: 4+ Year Old Kentucky Whiskey - $309.99
- Black Edition: 9 Year Old Single Cask Whiskey - $1,575.99
- Black Edition: 12 Year Old Single Cask Whiskey - $1,732.99
What Is the Best Way to Enjoy Macklowe Whiskey?
Macklowe Whiskey, as with any other high-end whiskey, is a sipping whiskey. Regardless of the bottle of Macklowe Whiskey you have, it is best to drink straight or with a few ice cubes. This is the best way to enjoy Macklowe Whiskey because it is the only way to get all the complex flavors and aromas.
How to Choose a Good Macklowe Whiskey
While everything from Macklowe Whiskey is beyond good, choosing the right bottle essentially comes down to your personal preferences. Macklowe Whiskey only sells American single malt whiskey, and to get a good Macklowe Whiskey, you first need to decide if it is the type of whiskey you like.
Since American single malt whiskey is relatively new, you will find different descriptions and rules, but generally, it must be made entirely from malted barley and aged in oak barrels.
You can start drinking American single malt whiskey with more budget-friendly options. After that, any Macklowe Whiskey will be a good one to try, from the 45 Month Old Kentucky Whiskey to the most exclusive 12 Year Old Single Cask.
Where Can You Find Macklowe Whiskey?
Macklowe Whiskey, being a high-end whiskey brand, isn't widely available. You can find it in select restaurants and shops in California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and New York. However, you don't have to be in these states to buy Macklowe Whiskey. You can also order up to three or six bottles from Speakeasy, depending on the individual product.
Macklowe Whiskey FAQs
Why Is Macklowe Whiskey So Expensive?
Macklowe Whiskey is the only high-end American single malt whiskey brand. It appeals more to whiskey enthusiasts looking for a luxurious experience in every sip. Naturally, every bottle of Macklowe Whiskey costs more than the average whiskey.
Who Is the CEO of Macklowe Whiskey?
Julie Macklowe is the founder and the current CEO of Macklowe Whiskey since the company was founded in 2019.
Why Is It Difficult to Find Macklowe Whiskey?
Macklowe Whiskey isn't a whiskey brand you will find in every bar and liquor store. It is a high-end whiskey brand with very low availability, with some of its products having only 202 bottles. Due to the low availability and relatively high demand for this premium American single malt whiskey, you may encounter difficulties finding it.
Macklowe Whiskey: Luxury American Single Malt Whiskey
Macklowe Whiskey is the only luxury American single malt whiskey brand. If you enjoy drinking American single malt whiskey and want to buy a new bottle to give you a different perspective on this relatively new subcategory of whiskey, Macklowe Whiskey is undoubtedly worth trying.
Although the pricing can be intimidating, every bottle of Macklowe Whiskey offers something unique, and all are great choices for beginners and enthusiasts alike, though the brand attracts mostly connoisseurs of this spirit.
Not sure which spirit to begin with? Their Gold Edition: 45 Month Old Kentucky Whiskey is a good introduction.
