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the legend

of hou yi

In the heart of Speyside, Scotland, is a distillery that transcends time—The Macallan. Since 1824, it has stood as a beacon of excellence, crafting single malt Scotch whisky that commands reverence across the globe. This isn’t just whisky; it’s a legend.

Every drop begins with the finest barley, pure spring water, and an uncompromising dedication to mastery. But the soul of Macallan lies in its oak casks—sherry-seasoned in Spain, hand-selected for perfection. These casks sculpt flavor with precision, yielding notes of dried fruit, spice, and velvet richness that linger like folklore.

36YO Macallan 'The legend of Hou Yi'

'The legend of hou yi

1988 Macallan 36 Year Old

Distilled 1st December 1988

Cask Number 9824304

Sherry Octave

This 1988 Macallan 36 Year Old Single Cask is a masterpiece of rarity and refinement. Distilled on 1st December 1988 and matured in a sherry octave cask—smaller in size, yet mighty in influence—it delivers an intensely rich, concentrated profile. Bottled at a robust 50.30% ABV, it balances power with elegance. With only 36 bottles released, it’s not just whisky—it’s a collector’s dream and a time capsule of Macallan’s legendary craftsmanship.

Distillery
50.30
Malt
Single Malt
Age
36 Years
ABV (%)
50.30
Bottles in Release
36

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The Legend of Hou Yi - the myth that gave birth to the Mid-Autumn Festival

In ancient Chinese mythology, the Earth was scorched by the heat of ten suns blazing in the sky. Crops withered, rivers dried, and humanity teetered on the edge of extinction. Enter Hou Yi, a divine archer of unmatched skill, summoned by the Jade Emperor to restore balance. With his mighty bow, Hou Yi shot down nine of the ten suns, leaving just one to warm the world—a heroic act that saved civilisation and earned him eternal fame.As a reward, Hou Yi received an elixir of immortality, but he chose not to consume it, unwilling to live forever without his beloved wife, Chang’e. Tragically, when a greedy apprentice tried to steal the elixir, Chang’e drank it to protect it and ascended to the moon, becoming the Moon Goddess. Heartbroken, Hou Yi honoured her by placing offerings under the moonlight—a tradition that inspired the Mid-Autumn Festival. Hou Yi’s tale is one of bravery, sacrifice, and eternal love, etched into the stars and celebrated across generations.

Tasting Notes

NOSE

A burst of rich fruit preserve, sticky dates, dark cherries and soaked raisins, with a background earthy sweetness from heather honey.

PALATE

Medium body and rich mouthfeel, baked apple pie with caramelised apples, cinnamon and sugared pastry, followed by a nostalgic note of worn leather and a toasted oak warmth.

FINISH

A long and waxy finish, with more of that toasted influence, a little dark oak spice and hint of Caribbean ginger, a suggestion of aromatic forest leaves that dance at the close.