Caldera Distilling: The Macallan Connection

When Caldera’s Jarret Stuart told us that his great-great-grandfather had been instrumental in introducing the Macallan Scotch whisky to Canada, we had to do some digging. How long whisky was being made at Macallan we are not sure, but we discovered that in 1824, then-owner, William Reid bought a license and what had been a farm distillery became a legal operation. 

As it turns out, in 1868, Jarret’s distant ancestor, one James Stuart acquired the lease for Macallan from James Shearer Priest and James Davidson who had assumed ownership on Reid’s death in 1847. James Stuart then rebuilt the distillery.

Ten years later, in 1878, and operating as James Stuart and Company, he and his partners from Macallan built the Glen Rothes distillery in Rothes. However, Stuart encountered some financial difficulties and left Glen Rothes the following year. Then in 1892 he sold Macallan on to Roderick Kemp.

During his time at Macallan, James Stuart had sent Jarret Stuart’s ancestor to Canada, to find his fortune selling Macallan whisky. It’s a noble heritage and one that reveals itself in two distinctive whiskies from Caldera Distilling in River John, Nova Scotia.

Caldera Hurricane 5

Named for a hurricane that pounded River John in October 1939, Hurricane 5 is distilled in a tiny alembic still, using organic grain grown at the distillery and on nearby farms.

Sweet and fruity, with butterscotch, bonfire, something herbal, and brisk peppery spices. Hints of vanilla devolve into citrus pith. Finishes with rye spices and hints of clean wood.

 Caldera Champlain

This traditional Canadian whisky which includes some Cognac in the blend pays tribute to mariner and explorer, Samuel de Champlain. Champlain, of course, was born in Cognac

 Saltwater toffee and sweet fruits with briny hints of seaside. Rich and creamy with red wine and grape skins. Pipe tobacco, growing pepperiness and tingling rye spices.