TimeOut

REPORT HERE

Today I have bittersweet news to report: the leakage I experienced was (a) not my fault, (b) a terminal condition at this time, (c) I returned the flask, (d) all my money was refunded.

Apparently the issue involves the design of the rotating 2-tank valve. Instead of seating nicely into one of 2 whisky-resistant O-rings, the valve actually pulls the O-ring up out of its seat and throws it around inside the mechanism. Where it creates an expensive whisky leak, jams the switching mechanism, or it is chopped into bits and swallowed by the inebriated user (unlikely).

VIEW OF O-RING missing on left side (top arrow) and VIEW of no-longer-flush screw (bottom arrow).  At the left edge of the photo below, you will see a silvery custom screw just visible in the hinged screw-top lid. This slightly protruding head interfered with the ability of the cap to screw down fully and caused great aggravation until I finally located the trouble. In the meantime I had been lubricating the threads, tipping the cap, trying and re-trying to seat the rotating valve (also hindered by the O-ring misalignment).

I suppose I could have taken it apart and fixed it, but that would have voided my warranty, required buying or making a new screw tool, and seemed inappropriate. Instead I made an inquiry to Macallan about a resolution. A quick reply read as follows:

Thank you for your enquiry regarding The Macallan x URWERK Flask.

Please be assured that we take the quality and service of The Macallan extremely seriously and appreciate your feedback. 

Following ongoing quality control we believe we have identified an issue similar to the problem you have encountered and which we are currently investigating. 

At The Macallan we strive to ensure that each and every product meets our exacting standards and so we recommend that we complete our investigation before advising on the next steps. 

Unfortunately we cannot provide a definitive timeline, but we are working to resolve this matter as quickly as possible and we will update you directly on a regular basis.

You can retain your Flask for now while we undertake this additional testing, however if you would prefer to return it and receive a full refund, we will arrange for this as a priority.

I had no intention of giving up my last year's bonus from my small consulting business to myself, but after a week or so, my good sense prevailed. They arranged shipping, the flask and all the fancy packaging was returned, and a credit was received. Thanks to the state of the economy, Brexit, and the full moon, when converted back to dollars I am a few bucks ahead of the fees for currency conversion.

A quick resolution but a sad ending to the Urwerk-Macallan collaboration. But kudos to Macallan for an honorable solution for the customer.

The only question is "What to buy now?" I have to use up the credit on my Master Card somehow ....

Cazalea

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