The Macallan sales double at Le Clos

Edrington-owned single malt Scotch whisky The Macallan saw its sales at Dubai-based wine and spirits retailer Le Clos double to reach record levels in 2016/17.

Year-on-year sales of the brand at Le Clos climbed 100%, bolstered by a number of events, including the record-setting January 2016 sale of a selection of whiskies from 1938 to 1974 for US$361,000.

That record was then smashed in December when a collection of The Macallan Fine and Rare expressions from 1937 to 1990, along with The Macallan Golden Age of Travel edition, sold in one US$500,000 transaction.

Then in early 2017, 29 bottles of The Macallan 18 Year Old from 1957 to 1986 were snapped up for an undisclosed sum.

The 2017/18 year will see continued investment from the retailer, which plans to upgrade The Macallan brand visibility across its stores to evoke the brand’s new Speyside distillery, set to open in 2018.

In addition, Le Clos says it will unveil the latest Lalique collaboration release, a second Gold Age of Travel decanter containing whisky distilled in 1937, and an exclusive Steven Klein Masters of Photography edition.

“Strong partnerships are key to the growth of The Macallan in travel retail and in Le Clos we have a partner with an innate appreciation for the brand and an unparalleled understanding of the luxury spirits consumer,” said Florence Chevalier, commercial manager, Middle East and Africa, Edrington EMEA Travel Retail.

“Le Clos has become one of the key launch platforms for fine and rare expressions of The Macallan in travel retail, and a go-to location for connoisseurs and collectors travelling through Dubai.”

Iain Delaney, chief operating officer at Le Clos parent MMI, added: “The Macallan has become a strategically important brand and partner for Le Clos, not only contributing significantly to our overall revenue growth and success, but also epitomising the quality and excellence on which our reputation is built.

“We look forward to working with The Macallan on several new and exciting initiatives which will continue to raise the bar in luxury travel retailing.”