Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 50.6%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex Sherry and ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Edrington Group
Average price: € 160.00
Official website: www.themacallan.com
Born in 2017 at the behest of Bob Dalgarno (one of the Whisky Makers at the distillery), the Classic Cut series aims to showcase Macallan in a style different from contemporary offerings, both due to the high proof (not full) and the use of particularly expressive casks.
The first three editions saw the selection of only sherry casks by a different member of the whisky makers team each year (Ian Morrison in 2018, Polly Logan in 2019), while from 2020, more freedom was given, with Polly Logan also adding ex-bourbon casks to the mix. From the following year, the declaration of the single maker disappeared, removing that extra touch of personality from the series.
For this 2025 edition, the ninth, the chosen casks are aged in both American and European seasoned sherry casks, as well as ex-bourbon casks, in a limited edition of around 90,000 bottles.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, a tasty Rossana candy emerges, surrounded by very sweet tones, at times almost cloying, including caramel, custard, macarons, and candied citrus. Almost, because among the aromas, notes of coffee, pineapple, currant, and a slight spicy touch of black pepper and nutmeg appear, bringing a bit of balance to the olfactory experience. There are deep wood shavings. The alcohol is well integrated, making it warm and inviting overall. Adding water enhances the balance, making it more delectable.
Sharp on the palate, with some scratches from the alcohol supported by black pepper and ginger, with coffee returning forcefully, resting at the bottom, while the pastry notes partially recede in favor of red fruits (currants, wild strawberries, blueberries), both fresh and cooked, pineapple, lemon peel, green apple, and wood. Rather tannic and dry, it completely overturns the olfactory impressions, leading them towards the distillery’s recent NAS. Nuts and cocoa linger. Water smooths out the rough edges, bringing it back to the softness of the nose and enhancing coffee and cocoa.
Long enough finish, with spices, cocoa, coffee, nuts, pastry cream, caramel, vanilla, wood.
Review: A Macallan that is more complex and richer than many recent examples, while still maintaining the edges and scratches of modern production, with a proof that certainly adds more elements, ironically improved when a little water is added. A good Macallan, which is truly enjoyable to drink.
Vote: 85/100