The uncharted whisky frontier: Expedition Whisky’s inaugural Macallan 33-year-old

Whisky has a long memory. It wears its traditions like a well-worn tweed, sometimes so comfortably that it can be hard to imagine anything new slipping into the fabric. But Garth and Dave Dooley, the father-and-son duo behind the newly launched Expedition Whisky, aren’t interested in simply echoing the stories that have been told for generations.

They’ve started with something bold: a 33-year-old Macallan distilled in 1990, their first release since founding the brand in 2023. This is more than a rare whisky, it’s a statement about where they want to take this new venture—into territory that prizes curiosity, quality and narrative as much as the liquid in the glass.

“Guided by curiosity and a passion for discovery, at Expedition Whisky we uncover both hidden gems and distinctive casks that tell their own stories,” says Dave Dooley. It’s a mission that will play out over three planned collections; each pitched at a different stage of a whisky drinker’s journey.

Each crystal decanter is hand-blown, individually numbered and crowned with a compass-topped stopper, honouring the spirit of exploration at the heart of Expedition Whisky

A tribute to time and craft

The inaugural release sits in the ‘Pinnacle’ collection, the summit of Expedition Whisky’s range and home to its oldest and most sought-after bottlings. Matured for more than three decades in a single PX Sherry Hogshead, it was bottled at 47.7% ABV, proof that patience, given the right conditions, pays off.

Its character reads like a travel diary of flavour: honeyed vanilla fudge and dried apricots, toasted hazelnuts, fine oak and spice. Whisky specialist Colin Hampden-White describes it as “satisfying, contemplative and ultimately delicious,” noting aromas of coconut-pollen florals and a palate that moves through caramel toffee, confected apple, dark chocolate, clove and leather. The finish lingers with dark fudge, cracked black pepper and toasted oak.

Bringing depth and expertise to this vision is commercial director Bonnar Fulton, a seasoned figure in the world of whisky with a career spanning some of the industry’s most respected names, including Chivas Brothers and Johnnie Walker. His work across a broad spectrum of the industry, from cask sales to brand development, brings a sharp, intuitive edge to Expedition Whisky’s approach. His passion lies in unearthing rare and remarkable single malts, selecting each cask for its character, provenance, and potential. With an expert eye and a profound respect for tradition, Bonnar is helping guide Expedition Whisky into its most exciting chapter yet, ensuring that each bottle is not only exceptional in taste but meaningful in story. For the Dooleys and Fulton, the cask choice was a deliberate act.

“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,” says Garth Dooley. “The idea of preserving something rare, letting it evolve, and then sharing it, that’s what drives us.”

Built for those who chase character and curiosity, Expedition Whisky invites drinkers to discover spirits that tell stories worth following

From Johannesburg to Speyside

The Expedition Whisky story doesn’t begin in Scotland at all. It starts in 2015, on the outskirts of Johannesburg, when Garth, on a fly-fishing trip, stumbled across a bottle of Springbank in a modest whisky shop. It was an introduction that shifted his relationship with Scotch from casual enjoyment to deep appreciation.

Dave’s own path stemmed from his father’s love for the spirit, and this passion has now blossomed into a mission to create a whisky brand that resonates with the curious and discerning drinker. That early connection evolved into a fascination with collecting rare expressions and, eventually, bottling them. “When setting up Expedition Whisky, we wanted it to be an independent bottler which explores Scotland in search of exceptional spirits,” Dave says. That focus, he adds, is as much about finding distinctive casks as it is about celebrating the stories they carry.

A journey begins: Expedition Whisky launches a 33-year-old Macallan aged in a PX sherry hogshead, bottled as a tribute to time, craft and discovery

Bottled artistry

The Macallan 33-Year-Old is as considered in its presentation as it is in its contents. Each hand-blown crystal decanter is individually numbered, accompanied by a transit stopper and a second decanter top crowned with a compass, a subtle nod to the brand’s spirit of exploration.

The bespoke display box is more than just a case; its illuminated interior reveals a map of Speyside, pinpointing the Macallan distillery’s location. It’s a reminder that while this is a global brand in mindset, it is still rooted in the geography that shaped the whisky inside.

More than a dram: Expedition Whisky invites collectors and curious drinkers alike to savour whisky as a moment in time—crafted, aged and shared

A portfolio built on exploration

The Pinnacle range is only one part of the journey. Below it sits ‘Chronicles’, a premium series of hand-picked whiskies tied to stories of adventure and endurance. Then there’s ‘Meridian’, inspired by the Prime Meridian at Longitude Zero, aimed at those starting out on their whisky journey.

The next release in the Pinnacle collection is already confirmed: a 30-year-old Springbank. Details are still under wraps, but its inclusion signals that the Expedition team intend to keep their focus on spirits with both provenance and character.

On the nose: coconut-pollen florals and toasted oak. On the palate: caramel toffee, dark chocolate, and clove. A contemplative whisky that lingers long after the last sip

A new lens on whisky

As the whisky industry shifts to engage a younger and more varied audience, Expedition Whisky offers a model for how heritage and accessibility can coexist. Dave’s background, shaped by experiences in Nigeria, Johannesburg and now the UK, frames whisky as a global product, not one limited to Scotland’s borders.

This perspective feeds into the brand’s approach: pairing rarity with an open invitation to engage. While ultra-premium releases often lean on exclusivity, Expedition Whisky positions itself as a place where both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers can feel welcome.

The Macallan 33-Year-Old is a declaration of intent. It asks drinkers to step beyond the safety of familiar labels and into a space where each bottle has a story to tell. With rare cask selections, crafted presentation and a portfolio designed for discovery, Expedition Whisky’s first chapter sets the course for the journey ahead. And for those who value curiosity, character and craftsmanship, it’s an expedition worth joining.

Visit expeditionwhisky.com to register your interest for the inaugural release and exclusive updates on those to follow.