Assembled by Willie Phillips, for 23 years managing director of The Macallan, in collaboration with the late Don Sutcliffe, formerly Regional Vice-President for Remy Amerique, later Managing Director for Craft Distillers (they’re good friends). Philips has unusual access to interesting whiskies. These bottlings are genuinely exceptional.

To assemble the batches, Don travelled to Scotland and worked with both Willie Phillips and Master Blender Bill Arthur. That’s Phillips on the left.
THE EXCEPTIONAL is blended from aged whiskies, carefully chosen barrel by barrel from a number of respected distilleries, each barrel selected for distinctive & memorable characteristics. The blends are then finished in first-fill oloroso sherry casks. Genuine balance of rich flavor is achieved only with superb and distinctive ingredients married to skilled and deeply experienced love of working with whisky.
“Pristine. Subtle… sensually appealing… The finest grain whisky I’ve had? Damn close” 5 stars/highest recommendation – Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal