The Macallan at 200 — and How India’s Whisky Story is Coming of Age.
India may account for nearly 60% of global whisky consumption — but the real story lies above the mass market. A growing tier of drinkers is exploring single malts, delving into wood influence, and debating distillation styles. It’s less a revolution than an evolution — and one that’s gathering momentum.
Two centuries after it first distilled spirit on the banks of the Spey, The Macallan is more than a whisky — it’s a benchmark for craftsmanship, time, and taste. As the iconic distillery celebrates its 200-year milestone, Single Malt Amateur Club India founder Hemanth Rao reflects on what this historic moment means for Indian whisky lovers, how the country’s palate is evolving, and why the next decade belongs to a more curious, confident, and connected generation of enthusiasts.
When The Macallan celebrates a milestone, the world of whisky pays attention. But this year, the celebrations are tinged with something more — a sense of timing, relevance, and resonance.
In India, where whisky is as much a cultural language as it is a drink, the bicentenary arrives at an inflection point. Interest in single malts is booming, conversations around provenance and craft are deepening, and a new wave of drinkers is emerging — one that wants to understand the story behind the spirit.
“The timing feels almost poetic,” says Hemanth Rao. “We’re at a stage where enthusiasts want to engage beyond the glass — they want to know the why behind the what. That’s what makes this moment so special.”
The collaboration between The Macallan and SMAC India for the unveiling of Time and Space Mastery — a rare new expression crafted for the 200th anniversary — is more than a partnership. It’s a meeting of philosophies.
“From the start, the vision was clear: this had to be authentic and inclusive,” says Rao. “It wasn’t about talking about rare whiskies; it was about tasting them together as a community. That shared commitment to substance over spectacle made the collaboration feel inevitable.”
The whisky itself is a masterclass in patience and precision. Bright citrus and floral notes unfurl on the nose, giving way to soft oak and chocolate, before a palate of elegant spice and refined sherry-cask dryness. Like The Macallan’s story, it unfolds slowly — and rewards those who take the time to listen.
A tribute to two centuries of craft — The Macallan Time and Space Mastery
If you want proof that India’s whisky scene has matured, look no further than the evolution Rao has witnessed firsthand. “When we began, most people’s exposure was limited to a handful of familiar names,” he recalls. “Today, our members discuss distilleries from Scotland to Japan. They can identify flavour profiles, recognise cask types, and — most importantly — they trust their own palates.”
“Our members talk about whisky the way people talk about art or wine,” Rao adds. “There’s a real hunger to learn, explore, and understand.” For Rao, the most meaningful part of this journey has nothing to do with exclusivity — and everything to do with community.
“Luxury isn’t about price; it’s about context,” he says. “There have always been people who could buy these bottles. The question is: are they drinking them right? Are they sharing them with people who care? Are they engaging with the story behind the spirit?”
“A dram shared in the right company is always worth more than a dram drunk alone.”
That belief shapes every SMAC experience — from intimate tastings to masterclasses that feel more like conversations. And it’s that sense of connection, Rao says, that bridges the gap between global brands and Indian drinkers.
Indian whisky lovers, Rao believes, are unlike any others. They’re resourceful, well-travelled, and deeply curious — often going to great lengths to track down rare bottles, coordinate tastings across borders, or swap drams within tight-knit circles.
“Our palate naturally leans towards bold, expressive flavours,” he notes. “And interestingly, women here often prefer peated whiskies — completely defying the stereotype of lighter, sweeter preferences.”
Even tradition isn’t off-limits. “Indian drinkers won’t just nod politely to a Scottish brand ambassador,” Rao says with a smile. “They’ll question, debate, and even argue why adding ice or soda — often dismissed as an ‘Indian thing’ — might actually make sense here.”
What was once dismissed as a gentleman’s drink has now evolved into a cultural movement. Women are hosting tastings. Young professionals are approaching whisky with curiosity rather than intimidation. Conversations are shifting from consumption to connoisseurship.
Hemanth Rao of SMAC — redefining India’s whisky culture one pour at a time
“The landscape is changing fast,” says Rao. “Indian single malts are making waves internationally, and trade agreements could make Scotch more accessible. The next decade will be about deeper collaboration, storytelling, and education — from whisky tourism to structured tasting programmes.”
And at the heart of it, India’s whisky voice is getting louder — and more confident. “We’re no longer imitating the West,” Rao says. “We’re adding our own chapter to the global whisky story.”
The coming year will be one of SMAC India’s busiest yet. Its international whisky trails — Whisky Wanderlust in Scotland, Whisky Hōrōheki in Japan, and Singapore Sling — continue to grow, while the annual Spirits by the Shore festival in Goa returns in 2025 with more brands, masterclasses, and collaborations than ever before.
On the home front, thematic events like Smoke & Mirrors and The Sherry Symphony will dive deep into specific styles, while new educational series will explore the science and artistry of whisky-making.
“Our mission has always been simple,” Rao says. “To create meaningful experiences that connect people, places, and stories — and to make whisky appreciation part of India’s cultural fabric.” If Rao had to capture The Macallan’s 200-year celebration in a single word, it would be “timely.”
“This milestone arrives just as India is ready for it — when curiosity is peaking, appreciation is deepening, and communities like ours are prepared to engage with brands on a deeper level,” he says. “It’s a reminder that great things take time. And when they finally meet the right audience, they resonate even more.”
Two centuries after its founding, The Macallan’s story continues — now with India playing a vital role. And for Hemanth Rao and SMAC India, that story isn’t just about looking back on tradition. It’s about writing the next chapter — one dram, one discovery, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
Words by Jackie Pinto
Featured Image An Irish wake, or the whisky club by Charles Williams
