Blind Summit Splits 35-Year The Macallan Cask
1989 Single Cask Spirit Split and Finished in Fortified Wine and Rum Casks
Leith-based independent bottler Blind Summit Whisky has announced the split release of two 35-year-old single malt Scotch whiskies drawn from a single cask of The Macallan distilled in 1989. Strictly limited to only 30 two-bottle twin sets worldwide, the release is scheduled for September 2026.
Extended Reading: The Complete Guide to The Macallan Whisky: 12yo, 18yo, Tiers, Sherry Oak & Double Cask Ranges
Dual Cask Finishing Reveals Distinct Flavor Profiles
Distilled at The Macallan on October 11, 1989, this single malt spirit was initially matured in a refill bourbon hogshead. The liquid was subsequently split into two parcels for secondary maturation in a French Rivesaltes fortified wine cask and a Barbados rum cask. Both whiskies are bottled at cask strength in 50cl formats, non-chill filtered, and with natural colour. The Rivesaltes finish is bottled at 45.3% ABV, while the Barbados rum finish stands at 46.4% ABV.
Blind Summit stated that their philosophy in selecting secondary casks is to elevate the spirit's innate character rather than mask it. According to official tasting notes, the Rivesaltes fortified wine cask edition delivers a rich depth of dried fruits and nuts, whereas the Barbados rum cask finish imparts bright and vibrant tropical fruit notes.
Blender's Philosophy and Mirror-Image Packaging
James Zorab, co-founder and blender at Blind Summit Whisky, divided the single cask and personally monitored both finishes over two years. He remarked that when handling a whisky of such remarkable age, the primary duty is to respect the maturity imparted by time while ensuring the finishing cask does not dominate. Co-founder Jamie Dawson noted that the team intentionally bypassed standard Oloroso sherry finishing in favour of exploring two contrasting flavour paths, allowing the single liquid to express two distinct personalities.
The packaging was created by Leith-based Studio Reekee, featuring mirrored label artwork across each pair of 50cl bottles that join together to form a seamless continuous visual. Founded in Leith, Edinburgh, by Dawson and Zorab—who together bring over 40 years of expertise across fine wines and whisky—Blind Summit has released more than 50 bottlings to date.
📅 Release Date: 2026-09-09
🔗 Source: The Whiskey Wash