Behind the Scenes of The Macallan Experience at Wildflower Farms: The Ultimate Whisky Lover's Getaway From NYC

Fans of single-malt Scotch are likely well-acquainted with The Macallan. It's a venerated name in the distilling world, and one of the first distilleries in Scotland to obtain a legal license to manufacture and sell liquor back in 1824. Now, The Macallan is sharing the magic of its 485-acre Scottish estate stateside by offering a weekend getaway from NYC to the Hudson Valley with the help of BLADE, a global aviation company.

The unexpected partnership comes to life in the pastoral setting of Wildflower Farms, an Auberge property, in Upstate New York. There, the brands have joined forces to provide a one-of-a-kind experience to taste world-class Scotch and reconnect with nature. But here's the thing—it's one day only: Thursday, August 10.

“While The Macallan and BLADE have been longstanding partners, the unveiling of this experience marks the first time consumers have been invited to join us for a bespoke experience,” says Max Gettinger, The Macallan’s Senior Division brand manager.

The day begins with a helicopter voyage that whisks you over New York City's skyscrapers and Central Park, delivering you to Wildflower Farms in just around half an hour. It's quite the juxtaposition, evading a concrete jungle for flowering meadows and native woodlands.

“The Macallan has an enduring connection to nature, with the brand’s longstanding commitment to farming, wildlife, water, and woodlands being vital to the distillation process," Gettinger says. "We’re looking forward to welcoming attendees on August 10 to experience this once-in-a-lifetime excursion.”

Attendees will enjoy a day of “immersion, exploration, mindfulness, botanical mixology, and culinary delights.” That comprises foraging for cocktail ingredients in a private garden, Japanese-inspired forest immersion, a healing sound bath, bespoke multi-course dinner, and plenty of single-malt Scotch, of course.

The Macallan Experience at Wildflower Farms Itinerary

• 10:45-11:15 a.m.: Guest departs NYC from BLADE East Side Lounge

• 11:15-11:30 a.m.: Guests arrive at Skydiving Ranch

• 11:30-12:00 p.m.: Guests arrive at Wildflower Farms

• 12:00-12:45 p.m.: Farm Tour & Foraging

• 12:45-1:15 p.m.: The Macallan Tasting at Maplehouse

• 1:15-2:30 p.m.: Lunch in Maplehouse

• 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Forest Immersion

• 3:45-4:45 p.m.: Soundbath

• 4:45-5:30 p.m.: Property Exploration

• 5:30-6:15 p.m.: Botanical Mixology

• 6:15-7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Hour in the Green Room

• 7:00-9:00 p.m.: Dinner in the Green Room

• 9:00 p.m.: Guests depart Wildflower Farms

Only a dozen tickets were made available for purchase at $2,750 a pop. You can sign up for tickets while available and stay tuned for the possibility of future dates.

That's a pretty penny to be sure, but it distills the enjoyment and relaxation of a long weekend getaway from NYC into one glorious, booze-filled day.

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For those who aren’t able to join in on this one, you can at least grab a bottle of The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old and shake up Kemp’s Quaich, a variation of the classic Pimm's Cup. The cocktail is traditionally served as a refreshment during the summertime due to its lighter style and effervescence. This riff introduces the refined flavors of dried fruit, orange peel, and soft spices.

The cocktail’s name, “quaich,” comes from the Scottish rendering of the Gaelic word “cuach”, meaning cup. The quaich, Scotland’s cup of friendship, has been used for centuries as a welcoming drink at clan gatherings and family occasions.

Kemp’s Quaich

Ingredients

• 1 oz Pimm’s No.1

• 0.5 oz Kronan Punsch

• 0.5 oz The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old

• 0.75 oz lemon juice

• 0.75 oz simple syrup

• Sparkling water

• Garnish: fresh mint bouquet, cucumber ribbon, ½ orange wheel

Instructions

1. Add fresh mint to a Collins glass and lightly muddle.

2. Add all ingredients except sparkling water to the glass and fill with ice.

3. Swizzle the cocktail with a bar spoon.

4. Top with sparkling water and garnish with cucumber ribbon and orange wheel.