Macallan Ice Ball Machine

The next BIG thing to hit the whiskey market is here at the Uptown Grill. With the rise of whiskey popularity in recent years, we purchased a Macallan Ice Ball Machine.

For those of you who prefer a slight chill to your glass, this device creates "ice magic" and an entirely new way to drink whiskey... with a round ball of ice. And although this type of machine has been out for a few years now,  I was told this created quite the buzz at this year's National Restaurant Association trade show in Chicago.

So while we were upgrading our selection of Macallan Single Malt scotch, we had the opportunity to get our hands on a machine of our own.  With only 5 available for purchase in the state of Illinois at this time, we couldn't pass it up! 

What the Macallan Ice Ball Machine does to an ordinary ice cube is pretty cool.  Made from aluminum alloy, the device combines room temperature with gravity, and within 45 seconds, it forms the perfect ball of ice for your drink.

Regular ice cubes melt quicker and almost make the drink slushy as it sits.  But a round ice ball melts much more slowly... meaning it will not dilute your drink as quickly.

The following short YouTube video demonstrates how the device transforms a large cube of ice into something magical. 

Come down and try an ice ball for yourself.  For all you scotch, bourbon or whiskey drinkers out there... we're confident it will help to make the perfect glass.  Let us know if you agree!

And to go with your ice ball, a few new additions to our Macallan Scotch selection...

Macallan 12 year old

• Color: Rich Gold 
• Nose: vanilla with hints of ginger, dried fruit, sherry and wood smoke
• Palate: smooth, rich dried fruits
• Finish: sweet toffee with wood smoke and spice 
• ABV: 40% 

Macallan 15 year old Fine Oak

• Color: Rich Straw
• Nose: full with hints of rose and cinnamon
• Palate: rich chocolate with hint of orange and raisin
• Finish: lingering smooth chocolate and orange 
• ABV: 43% 

Macallan 18 year old Fine Oak

• Color: Light Amber
• Nose: floral with hint of jasmine and tropical fruit
• Palate: soft and rich with hint of citrus and spice
• Finish: lingering with hint of orange zest
• ABV: 43%

Macallan Rare Cask

• Color: Mahogany
• Nose: From their website, "Picture an orchestra setting up: quiet vanilla with deep notes, already in tune; raisin bold and booming, though only in spells; chocolate a star performer, but not a standout; a sweet ensemble of apple, lemon and orange, beautifully balanced with a spicy quartet of root ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Then oak conducts, mature and elegant, with patience only time delivers."
• Palate: "The spicy quartet leads, loud and full, unwavering in their performance. Raisin dares to temper - and succeeds!! – but oak takes control; timeless, polished, rich and resonating. Vanilla and chocolate compliment each other in the background."
• Finish: light citrus 
• ABV: 43%