Few distilleries command the same level of recognition as The Macallan. Renowned worldwide for its luxurious whiskies, the Speyside producer has even secured a place on the silver screen, with its bottles appearing in several James Bond films. When I embarked on my first whisky-focused trip to Speyside, The Macallan was among the very first distilleries I visited. Even though I have been back to The Macallan Distillery a couple of times since, this was my first time eating in the fairly newly opened restaurant as part of my stay at the whisky castle Rothes Glen and the Time Spirit dining experience certainly is something completely different to what I have experienced in distillery restaurants before! Read my review of the restaurant at The Macallan, my whisky picks and top recommendations for the best hotels near the distillery.
The Macallan Distillery Time Spirit Restaurant
I had the pleasure of experiencing a Time Spirit lunch at the Macallan Distillery as part of our itinerary for the Gourmet Weekend at Rothes Glen – which you can read more about here. The restaurant opened its doors to the Time Spirit dining experience at the end of October in 2024. The menu and concept has been developed in collaboration with El Celler de Can Roca. Which is a restaurant founded by the three Roca brothers from Girona in Spain. Their restaurant has earned an impressive three Michelin stars. I would not be surprised if this distillery restaurant is trying to go for a star themselves. Just like The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant who now have two stars.
♥ If you are looking for all the best things to do in Speyside, beside visiting The Macallan, then read my extensive guide here.
Interiors
Danish architect David Thulstrup brings together Scandinavian simplicity and the spirit of the Scottish Highlands in the restaurant’s minimalist interiors. Expansive windows draw the eye towards the estate and Speyside’s rolling scenery. Creating a strong connection to the landscape outside. An open kitchen sits at the centre of the dining room, allowing guests in the main room to watch the chefs at work. Given the restaurant’s focus on flavour, storytelling and inventive cooking, this added a fascinating dimension to the experience.
We were seated in a cask style booth by the windows which almost felt like private dining. Much thanks to the fact that it was our own little space and we could not easily see any other guests. I do wonder what it would have been like to dine in the main space where it’s open between tables as it felt a little bare and quite dark. But with the benefit of being able to see the chefs, which was not possible from our table.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere in the restaurant felt very relaxed and enjoyable. Especially since our group had our own little space. Although I feel like it would be a little stricter if we had been a smaller group or just a couple dining in the main space but since this was not my experience it’s difficult to say. The lovely serving team did make the experience feel a lot friendlier and welcoming than the space might feel in the photos.
I think that when a distillery or similar venue is presenting more of a fine dining experience it is important to have a confident team who can enhance the visit for guests. In particular if they were wanting to go for a Michelin star. Personally I find the space to look lovely but there is something that feels a little disconnected on the first visual approach to both the place and whisky. Although I did think it felt more incorporated into the menu and the food that was presented.
Team
The team that greeted us at The Macallan restaurant were incredibly professional and helpful. I do find that since you are not able to visit the distillery without a pre-booked time it can seem a little intimidating and almost elitist at times. So it’s incredibly important to have a friendly and accommodating team ready to greet visitors to make them feel welcome. All the people in the restaurant did a fantastic job at that. At a previous visit a couple of years ago I did have a slightly colder welcome and it does change the tone of your visit. Because of that I was very glad to see a positive change here.
Practical Information
- Address: Easter Elchies, Aberlour AB38 9RX
- Cost: The six course lunch tasting menu is £75 per person. The nine course dinner tasting menu is £105 per person
- Reservations: Reservations available Fridays to Sundays until the end of March. From April reservations available Thursdays to Sundays.
Where to stay when visiting The Macallan: the best hotels near the distillery
Although hotel options in the Speyside area near The Macallan can be a little limited, there are some great options just around the corner from the distillery. And as the bonus they all have fantastic whisky bars as well!
- The Dowans Hotel – on the outskirts of Aberlour you will find this family run hotel and if you need a Speyside whisky recommendation do ask Lauren!
- The Craigellachie – a charming and dog-friendly hotel in a historic building right across the valley from The Macallan Distillery
The Time Spirit menu at The Macallan restaurant
The lunch is a set tasting menu consisting of six courses. To begin we got a selection of three amuse bouche style dishes. They are inspired by one of five selected places in the world. We were served Jerez, Mexico City and New York which was cured tuna al amontillado, taco with radish and mango salad as well as pastrami on a steamed brioche with sauerkraut. These come out served in a box designed to look like the exterior roof of the distillery itself which was an entertaining start to the meal.
Due to the entertainment factor the first course with these little appetisers, was one of the highlights. Personally I also really enjoyed the beef course although around the table there was a lot of appreciation for discovering each dish as we went along. In particular, the barley course sparked a lot of discussion. It is always lovely to see a focus on local ingredients and a celebration of Scottish produce like this. Someday I would love to come back and try The Macallan restaurant dinner menu on a future visit to the distillery. Overall the dishes were really interesting and full of flavour. Such a fun way to discover Scottish cuisine and these dishes made the produce feel reinvented in a way.
Menu
Course 1 – Distil your world appetisers (a pre-decided selection of three from the list below)
Paris – beef tartare, pomme soufflé, whisky truffle
Jerez – cured tuna al amontillado
New York – pastrami, steamed brioche, sauerkraut
Mexico City – taco with radish and mango salad, mole
Hong Kong – duck and cured yolk xuixo & five spice hoisin sauce
Course 2 – Celeriac
Apple, toasted barley & smoked celeriac purée
Course 3 – Barley
Fermented barley, ‘egg yolk’ & caramelised yeast
Course 4 – Lobster
Whisky xo glazed lobster, lobster bisque & sobrassada
Course 5 – Beef
Whisky marinated beef, The Macallan cask aged mustard, hollandaise & black shallot
Course 6 – Lactic
Dulce de Leche, blackcurrant & milk ice cream
The six courses were followed by tea or coffee and petit fours.
The Macallan restaurant
The Macallan Whisky
At the end of our dining experience, we sampled one of the distillery’s newer expressions, The Macallan A Night on Earth. Matured in seasoned sherry casks made from American and European oak. As well as ex-bourbon barrels, the whisky takes inspiration from Scotland‘s Hogmanay festivities and the rituals of welcoming a new year. The Macallan recommends pairing it with shortbread, a fitting accompaniment that highlights the whisky’s sweet, warming notes.
The Macallan ranks among the world’s most recognisable whisky brands. You have probably seen a bottle appear in a favourite film or television series. The distillery is best known for maturing its whisky in seasoned sherry casks and collaborates closely with a bodega in Jerez de la Frontera to create the casks that influence its signature style. In 2018 the new The Macallan opened its doors after a £140 million investment into building a brand new distillery and visitor experience. The new distillery is located just down from the initial site and is almost camouflaged from the road with its grass-clad rooftop.
Moa’s whisky recommendation from The Macallan: The Macallan A Night on Earth for a newer release or The Macallan 15 Year Old Double Cask for a classic choice
FAQ – The Macallan Distillery Restaurant
The six course lunch menu is £75 per person and the nine course dinner menu is £105 per person.
No you cannot visit the restaurant, bar or shop at The Macallan Distillery & Estate without a reservation. Booking in advance is essential and especially as they often sell out on available slots.
There is no strict dress code but smart casual is advised for the Time Spirit experience.
Assistance dogs are welcome at the distillery, but it is required to phone in advance to let the team know so they can expect you.
Need more inspiration for your Speyside trip?
- The Best Whisky Distilleries in Scotland: From Historic Icons to Hidden Gems
- Romantic getaways in Scotland: The Most Luxurious Escapes for Couples in 2026
- A whisky writers guide to Speyside in Scotland
- Rothes Glen: A Gourmet Weekend at a castle in Speyside
- Staying at The Dowans Hotel in the Speyside Whisky Region
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
