Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 43%ABV
Ageing casks: American and European Sherry seasoned
Chillfiltered: Yes
Added coloring: No
Owner: Edrington Group
Average price: € 420.00
Official website: www.themacallan.com
Vote: 84/100
I complete the tasting of Macallan’s Double Oak line with the most advanced ageing, the 18-year-old which, like its slightly younger brother, is matured in American and European wood casks seasoned with sherry in Spain.
Skip three years of ageing and almost double the price: I throw the proportions to the wind and pour into the glass.
Tasting notes
Pungent nose of citrus fruits (blood orange), red fruits (redcurrants, raspberries) and spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, aniseed) that in time slips towards evocations of apple strudel and sacher cakes, in which the acidulous and fresh profile intertwines with the soft and sweet one in a beautiful play of contrasts, where the former tends to prevail. Corollary of nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts), chestnut honey and a slight sulphurous vein in the background.
On the palate, it starts out lively, with the sherry wearing its summer outfit and taking the dram in a crisp and fresh direction, where red and citrus fruits pound on the acidulous components (but not too much) supported by spices (even a little ginger peeps out), with honey, chocolate and nuts pushed into the background. A mineral vein also emerges along the length.
The finish is quite short and dry with spices, citric notes, red fruits and a slight saline hint.
Apart from the economic aspect (which is in any case not insignificant), this 18-year-old also confirms my impressions of the entire series, which lacks bite, complexity and above all that elegance that Macallan prides itself on.
Or maybe it simply isn’t my cup of tea.