New independent bottler, Expedition Whisky, has launched its inaugural expression, a 33-year-old Macallan, marking the beginning of its journey and an invitation to discover spirits and single malts from across Scotland and beyond. 

Founded in 2023 by father and son duo, Garth and Dave Dooley, Expedition Whisky marks its debut with an exceptional first release; distilled in 1990 and matured in a single PX Sherry Hogshead cask. Bottled at 47.7% ABV and limited to just 249 bottles available globally, The Macallan Aged 33 Years delivers layers of sweetness, refined spice, and oak complexity, setting the tone for Expedition Whisky’s mission: to seek out and share the extraordinary.

The release marks the first chapter for co-founder Dave Dooley, whose story spans continents and cultures. From childhood memories in Nigeria, where a bottle of whisky marked family gatherings, to establishing Expedition Whisky alongside his father, Dave’s path to whisky is rooted in exploration. 

Dave Dooley, Co-Founder of Expedition Whisky, commented:  

“My whisky journey began not with tradition, but with an unapologetic fascination and intrigue, sparked by my father’s love for the spirit. When setting up Expedition Whisky, we wanted it to be an independent bottler that explores Scotland in search of exceptional spirits. Guided by curiosity and a passion for discovery, at Expedition Whisky, we uncover both hidden gems and distinctive casks that tell their own stories.  

“Each release, bottled at peak maturation under the guidance of industry leading experts, tells a unique story of character, place, and time. This is a journey of discovery. I was an outsider looking in, and the more I learned the more I fell in love.”

The Expedition Whisky portfolio will fall into three distinct collections: at the summit sits ‘Pinnacle’; which the inaugural Macallan bottling sits within, a collection of its oldest and most coveted expressions. Following this will be ‘Chronicles’, the premium range of hand-selected whiskies, celebrating timeless adventure and storytelling. Completing the trio is ‘Meridian’, the core range that marks the starting point of every adventure. Inspired by the Prime Meridian – Longitude Zero – Meridian invites spirits drinkers to step into the world of Expedition Whisky and begin their own journey of discovery.  

Colin Hampden-White, whisky specialist, describes the inaugural release:

“A fine old Macallan with plenty of depth, complexity, and intrigue. There is plenty of sweetness balancing delicate spices, which build up on the palate. Refined and finessed throughout the nose and palate with aromas and flavours showing good age with enough tannin to give excellent structure without being drying. Satisfying, contemplative, and ultimately delicious.

“On the nose, honeyed vanilla fudge and dried apricot are framed by toasted hazelnut, coconut-pollen florals and a hint of fine oak spice. The palate unfolds in layers of caramel toffee, confected apple and dark chocolate, with clove and leather emerging beneath. A long, balanced finish brings dark fudge, black cracked pepper and toasted oak.”

The Macallan Aged 33 Years is housed in a bespoke display box. Its illuminated interior showcases a map pinpointing the location of the renowned Speyside distillery. Each hand-blown crystal decanter is individually numbered, accompanied by a transit stopper and an additional decanter top crowned with a compass as a nod to exploration and discovery. 

Garth Dooley, Co-Founder of Expedition Whisky, commented:

“We chose The Macallan 1990 as our inaugural release because it symbolises more than just a spirit – it’s a masterpiece, an opening chapter that invites connoisseurs to savour a moment from the past with every sip. The idea of preserving something rare, letting it evolve, and then sharing it, that’s what drives us. It’s both a nod to our origins and a promise of what’s to come.” 

As the whisky sector continues to evolve for a new generation, Expedition Whisky signals a shift in the landscape. With a background far removed from Scotland’s distilleries, Co-Founder Dave Dooley brings a fresh lens to an age-old craft, and a drive to make exceptional whisky feel more inviting and adventurous.

The inaugural bottling will be available exclusively via the Expedition Whisky website. Due to limited availability, we encourage you to register your interest online for updates and purchasing details.

For more info, please visit the website here.