The Macallan in brief
- Rank: #32 of 100 in UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026; #2 of 8 in Drinks & Spirits.
- WCRC Power Score: 66.60 out of 100.
- Founded: 1824, by Alexander Reid.
- Owner: The Edrington Group Limited, Craigellachie, Scotland.
- Leadership: Scott McCroskie, Chief Executive of Edrington.
- Latest revenue: £922m revenue (FY2026, year to Mar 2026, -14.0%), group revenue of The Edrington Group (total revenue £922.3m, -14%; core revenue £855m, -3% at constant currency), as per company filings.
What makes The Macallan powerful
The Macallan is the single malt most closely associated with luxury and collecting. Its rare releases set auction records and its core range, built on sherry-seasoned oak, commands premium prices in bars and shops worldwide. That reputation makes it the crown jewel of Edrington, the Glasgow-based spirits group controlled by The Robertson Trust.
In the year to March 2026 the brand held up well in a tough market. Edrington's core revenue slipped 3% to £855 million, but The Macallan's core range performed strongly, with double-digit sales growth for The Macallan 12 Years Old, and chief executive Scott McCroskie said the brand gained market share across several key markets. Charitable ownership through The Robertson Trust also lets Edrington take a long view, laying down stock for decades rather than chasing quarterly results.
The Macallan's distillery sits on the Easter Elchies estate on Speyside, where the brand was founded in 1824.
Why The Macallan ranks #32
The Macallan ranks 32nd with a WCRC Power Score of 66.60, between Aviva above and Sainsbury's below. Positioning and recall (70) is its strongest pillar, reflecting its standing as the single malt most linked to luxury and collecting, with trust (68) and product and innovation (66) close behind. Sustainability and governance (62) and digital and financial strength (62) hold it back as demand for prestige Scotch cools.
The Achilles' heel
The Macallan's exposure to the top end of the market is now a weakness. Demand for prestige and collectible Scotch has fallen, and sales of The Macallan 25 and 30 Years Old declined. Unfavourable currency moves and the absence of a one-off stock sale also hit profit before exceptional items, which fell 7% to £256 million, while total group revenue fell 14% to £922 million.
The 2026 story
Edrington reported results for the year to 31 March 2026 at the end of June 2026. Core revenue fell 3% to £855 million and profit before exceptional items fell 7% to £256 million, reflecting the absence of a prior-year one-off stock sale and adverse currency. The Macallan remained the bright spot, with core contribution up 1% and double-digit growth for The Macallan 12 Years Old. Chief executive Scott McCroskie said the brand gained market share in several key markets.
Pillar profile
Provisional desk scores out of 100, for the WCRC Business Intelligence Unit to validate.
Versus its nearest rivals
Questions people ask
What rank is The Macallan in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful Brands 2026?
The Macallan ranks #32 of 100 in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 66.60 out of 100.
What makes The Macallan powerful?
Pricing power at the top of the whisky market, with The Macallan 12 Years Old growing double digits and the brand gaining share in key markets.
What is The Macallan's revenue?
£922m revenue (FY2026, year to Mar 2026, -14.0%), group revenue of The Edrington Group (total revenue £922.3m, -14%; core revenue £855m, -3% at constant currency), as per company filings.
Who founded and owns The Macallan?
The Macallan was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid. It is owned by The Edrington Group Limited and based in Craigellachie, Scotland.
Who leads The Macallan?
Scott McCroskie, Chief Executive of Edrington.
What is The Macallan's biggest challenge?
Demand for prestige Scotch has cooled sharply, and the secondary market for rare bottles has softened.
Also featured in
- Most powerful Drinks & Spirits brands
- UK's 50 Most Valuable Brands
- Iconic British Heritage Brands
- Most powerful brands in Scotland
Key facts
| Brand | The Macallan |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | The Edrington Group Limited |
| Headquarters | Craigellachie, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1824 |
| Founder(s) | Alexander Reid |
| Leadership | Scott McCroskie, Chief Executive of Edrington |
| Latest revenue | £922m revenue (FY2026, year to Mar 2026, -14.0%), group revenue of The Edrington Group (total revenue £922.3m, -14%; core revenue £855m, -3% at constant currency), as per company filings |
| Sector | Drinks & Spirits |
| Website | themacallan.com |
| Home country | United Kingdom |
Sources
- Revenue figure published by The Edrington Group Limited
- Company website, official announcements and press releases
- Published interviews and statements by the leadership
- WCRC Business Intelligence Unit research: consumer sentiment, ratings and reviews, search demand, media and social data
