Scotland, Speyside: Single malt whisky through the producing distilleries: history, making,
production and tasting notes
The Macallan
Description of the whisky
The distillery
Macallan Distillery
Craigellachie
Banffshire
AB38 9RX
+44 1340 871 471
Owner: The Edrington Group
Creation date: 1824
photos
Situated
near the village of Craigellachie, the Macallan distillery got
its first distillation licence in 1824 thanks to Alexander Reid.
When he died in 1847, his namesake son managed the distillery until his own
death in 1858. Then the distillery was controlled by James Shearer Priest and
James Davidson until it was acquired by James Stuart (from the Glen
Spey distillery). James Stuart rebuild the distillery.
In 1892, this old farm distillery become the property of Roderick Kemp.
From 1968, The Macallan is quoted on the stock exchange list and shares were
purchased by great international groups as Suntory or Rémy-Cointreau,
but also by the workers and the inhabitants of the village. That's why the whisky
from the distillery was nicknamed "Malt of the People". The distillery
remained in the Kemp family until 1996, when Highland Distilling Ltd bought
the
shares of Rémy-Cointreau, and later those from private individuals.
In 10 years time (between 1965 and 1975), The number of stills of the distillery
grown from 6 to 21.
Maturation happens in sherry casks for 100% of the production, among which 75%
sherry Oloroso casks. Macallan uses a traditional barley type, called Golden
Promise.
The Highland Distillers group has been acquired by Edrington Group in November
1999 for £ 601m.
The whole production matured in sherry Oloroso casks is sold as single malt,
the remaining being sold to blenders, among which Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark,
J&B, Chivas Regal, Lang's Supreme, Ballantine's or Long John.
List of the bottles
Description of the distillery
| Macallan | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample | |||
| O.B. | 12 years | 17 | |
| Twenties | 17 | ||
| Thirties | 17 | ||
| Forties | 17 1/2 | ||
| Fifties | 17 | ||
| Fine Oak 12 years | 17 | ||
| Cask Strength | 18 | ||
| Cask Strength, 10 years | 19 | ||
| 15 years | 17 | ||
| 18 years | 18 1/5 | ||
| Elegancia | 18 | ||
| Douglas Laing | Old Malt Cask, 15 years | 18 | |
| Old Malt Cask 25 years | |||
| Jean Boyer | Best Casks of Scotland 1991 | 18 | |
| Best Casks of Scotland 1991 43¡ | 18 | ||
| Best Casks of Scotland 1991 56,4¡ | 18 | ||
| John McDougall | Golden Cask 1987 | 17 1/2 | |
| Scott's Selection | Scott's Selection 1985 | 17 |
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
12 years |
Alcohol |
43° |
Cask |
Sherry Oloroso |
Bottler |
Official |
 |
|
The
colour is coppered amber. The nose is full, rather dry and pleasant
and marked by sherry, vanilla and rubber.
The palate is both sweet and dry and confirms the nose.
The finish, average long could be cleaner. Our expectation about this malt was high, and this 12 years old version is rather good (for a bottom-of-range malt).
The palate is both sweet and dry and confirms the nose.
The finish, average long could be cleaner. Our expectation about this malt was high, and this 12 years old version is rather good (for a bottom-of-range malt).
One
of the greatest names in whisky. A major. The great name among
the Speyside whiskies. Macallan is a concept on it own. The distillery
bears the name of "The Macallan" just as Glenlivet which
became "The Glenlivet". Despite all this, and despite
the quality of the whisky, I quoted it 17. This is indeed a bottom-of-range
version. I found some dominant malt hints, and I prefer personally
more complex and subtle whiskies.
This 12 years old version is not produced any more by the distillery at the moment.
The sherry nose is rather dry, despite some light vanilla hints on the background, which give it a nice complexity. In the palate, dry sherry dominates, with some slightly acid touches. The palate is less complex than the nose was and the too short finish remains on sherry on a malt background.
The nose is clearly marked by sherry and discrete woody notes. Some hints of plum jam too.
In the palate a kind of slight acidity mixes with the sherry motes and gives the impression that this whisky was nicer when nosing it. The mouth is clearly behind the nose.
The finish, still marked by sherry presents some malt hints too and is relatively long even though it is rather flat.
This 12 years old version is not produced any more by the distillery at the moment.
The sherry nose is rather dry, despite some light vanilla hints on the background, which give it a nice complexity. In the palate, dry sherry dominates, with some slightly acid touches. The palate is less complex than the nose was and the too short finish remains on sherry on a malt background.
The nose is clearly marked by sherry and discrete woody notes. Some hints of plum jam too.
In the palate a kind of slight acidity mixes with the sherry motes and gives the impression that this whisky was nicer when nosing it. The mouth is clearly behind the nose.
The finish, still marked by sherry presents some malt hints too and is relatively long even though it is rather flat.
Comment by Jimmy Shields
I`am
rather new to the world of single malt scotch. If I had started
with this bottle I do not think I would have been hooked.
The nose I like, is sweet almost creamy. For taste however
a little too sherryish and not enough something I don`t know
maybe smoke,not very complex (its like i`am always waiting for
something to happen that never does).I find the taste develops
into a tea taste that stays with the finish which is not that
long. Maybe I`am not being fair with this whisky, but when i
drink it I keep thinking what it does not have rather than
what it has.
Comment by Henrik Johansson
Apperance: Copper. Surprisingly dark for a 12 year old. I wonder if it's due to natural
causes or if it's coloured.
Nose: Sweet and pleasant. Very nutty with a sweet and full marzipan nose. Also
fresh fruits, apple, coumarin and cooked maize. Diluted it lends some lemon and becomes a bit dryer and maltier.
Body: Rich textures, a bit oily.
Palate: Winey and malty. Well balanced sweetness. A slight coffey flavour.
Chocolate, bran and some cooked fruits. Pretty long finish. Very nice.
Comments: One of the giants of Single
Malt whisky, and rightly so in my opinion. It might not be the most complex malt, but it's certainly a very
good dram. It's a sure bet and it does put a smile on my face again and again.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
15 years |
Alcohol |
43° |
Cask |
Sherry Oloroso |
Bottler |
Official |
 |
|
This
version as been marketed in 2001 by the distillery and is intended
for the American market.
The production of this version will be stopped in 2003, and replaced by cask strength version, also intended for the American market.
The colour is copper to amber. The nose reveals the sherry, dry fruits and clove, with toffee and orange hints.
The palate detects a toffee sweetness, dry fruit, oranges and apples. Clove and toffee detected by the nose are conformed in the mouth.
The finis is long, rich and oily, revealing a taste of nuts and spicy oranges
The production of this version will be stopped in 2003, and replaced by cask strength version, also intended for the American market.
The colour is copper to amber. The nose reveals the sherry, dry fruits and clove, with toffee and orange hints.
The palate detects a toffee sweetness, dry fruit, oranges and apples. Clove and toffee detected by the nose are conformed in the mouth.
The finis is long, rich and oily, revealing a taste of nuts and spicy oranges
The
typical amber colour characterising malts matured in Oloroso sherry
casks and especially the Macallan whiskies is also present in this
edition. The sherryish nose is pleasant. Strong spicy fragrances
make from this malt a whisky appreciated by the Macallan lovers
(they are legion). The pleasant taste misses some subtlety, according
to me. I'm not an ardent supporter of Macallan. However, this
is a great bottle. I really recommend it.
The nose is rather marked by sherry, with a hint of citrus fruits. The taste is relatively complex, going from orange to green apple, through malt touches. A quite short finish with some spicy and slightly acid hints.
The nose is very marked by sherry with a touch of spices. The mouth reveals toffee hints and the spices are stil present, with touches of fruit. A nice finish, slightly bitter, woody.
The sherry is predominant at the nose which is further rather spiced and reveals a slight touch of citrus fruit. In the mouth, this whisky is first quite dry and bitter, woody, but gets open after a while to reveal nice spicy notes. A nice round finish.
Quite a nice nose, marked by sherry, spices and prune hints. In the palate, sherry dominates as well and nice slightly woody and chocolate notes mix together to produce a pleasant result. The finish is lingering and warm. Even if this is not really a top whisky, it remains quite a good one.
The nose is rather marked by sherry, with a hint of citrus fruits. The taste is relatively complex, going from orange to green apple, through malt touches. A quite short finish with some spicy and slightly acid hints.
The nose is very marked by sherry with a touch of spices. The mouth reveals toffee hints and the spices are stil present, with touches of fruit. A nice finish, slightly bitter, woody.
The sherry is predominant at the nose which is further rather spiced and reveals a slight touch of citrus fruit. In the mouth, this whisky is first quite dry and bitter, woody, but gets open after a while to reveal nice spicy notes. A nice round finish.
Quite a nice nose, marked by sherry, spices and prune hints. In the palate, sherry dominates as well and nice slightly woody and chocolate notes mix together to produce a pleasant result. The finish is lingering and warm. Even if this is not really a top whisky, it remains quite a good one.
The Macallan
|
|
| Age | 10 years |
| Alcohol | 58,8° |
| Cask | Sherry Oloroso |
| Particularity | Cask Strength |
| Bottler | Official |
| Price/litre | |
The colour is amber
with golden glints. The nose is marked my toffee and chocolate. It develops spicy (pepper) and woody touches
(oak, cypress).
The mouth is smooth, with praline, bitter orange and nutty touches. It goes over to vanilla and undergrowth hints.
The finish reveals a fine salted and balsamic touch.
The mouth is smooth, with praline, bitter orange and nutty touches. It goes over to vanilla and undergrowth hints.
The finish reveals a fine salted and balsamic touch.
The
first nose contact reveals a great whisky. Chocolate touches mixed
with slightly spicy fragrances define this bottle. The palate,
not hindered by the high alcoholic percentage, detects the Macallan
characteristic sherry hints. A superb and very long finish prolongs
the pleasure. The very affordable price of this bottling makes
it an absolute must in each whisky collection, especially for those
who appreciate Speyside whiskies and Cask strengths.
A second tasting just confirmed the first one. The dominant effect of sherry is very present from the very first nosing. The immediate feeling is that this is a good Macallan...
The sherry is very present at the first nosing, and this whisky reveals nice and sweet chocolate hints. Some spices as well. A very nice palate too, where the taste of the malt is mixed with the one of the sherry, with very nice spicy touches and woody , more bitter hints. A nice complexity anyway... And the high percentage of alcohol does not hinder at all. A beautiful finish, between the sweetness of malt and the bitterness of wood. It develops clearly on bitter notes, with some salted hints at the end.
A very interesting nose, slightly pungent, where the woody smells are mixing with those of mushrooms on a vanilla and malty background. Some earth smells, farm hints, sherry and sweet citrus fuit (however without any acidity impression). In the palate, the woody bitterness comes first, quickly followed by nice notes of chocolate, nutty hints on a malted barley background. A very nice finish, lingering, between the woody bitterness and the malty smoothness.
A second tasting just confirmed the first one. The dominant effect of sherry is very present from the very first nosing. The immediate feeling is that this is a good Macallan...
The sherry is very present at the first nosing, and this whisky reveals nice and sweet chocolate hints. Some spices as well. A very nice palate too, where the taste of the malt is mixed with the one of the sherry, with very nice spicy touches and woody , more bitter hints. A nice complexity anyway... And the high percentage of alcohol does not hinder at all. A beautiful finish, between the sweetness of malt and the bitterness of wood. It develops clearly on bitter notes, with some salted hints at the end.
A very interesting nose, slightly pungent, where the woody smells are mixing with those of mushrooms on a vanilla and malty background. Some earth smells, farm hints, sherry and sweet citrus fuit (however without any acidity impression). In the palate, the woody bitterness comes first, quickly followed by nice notes of chocolate, nutty hints on a malted barley background. A very nice finish, lingering, between the woody bitterness and the malty smoothness.
Comment by Gundee
The nose is predominantly
alcohol and sherry. I was unable to detect much else (perhaps the ever so slightest hint of chocolate?).
Taste confirmed the nose. Initial impression on the palate is alcohol and sherry developing to spicey and
peppery finish. Medium finish (at least compared to something like a Laphroaig or Lagavulin) lingering pepper
and sherry. Lacks complexity and a boring wiskey (unless you're just after an expensive buzz...). Addition
of water confirms toned down version of same. All in all a mediocre specimen at best, poor dollar value and
one I'd not purchase again.
The Macallan
|
|
| Age | 10 years |
| Alcohol | 58,6° |
| Cask | Sherry Oloroso |
| Particularity | Cask Strength |
| Bottler | Official |
| Price/litre | |
An exquisite nose, perfectly
balanced revealing all the nuances between chocolate and nut through malted barley and roasted peanuts. The nose
is close to perfection. A very light veil af smoke over all the pleasant perfumes described above.
In the palate, a kind of slightly acid and woody sherry, an impression of dryness first, quickly followed by richer notes, still sherry and hints between nut and wood intermixed with the malty sweetness and some light notes of citrus fruit.
The finish is in the same mood. Lingering and warm, reviewing all the fragrances of the palate. A great malt, what a pity there are not more of them like this...
After a blind tasting, what a surprise to discover it is a Macallan Cask Strength. One of the cheapest Macallan and really a very great marvel. No aggressiveness at all despite the high percentage of alcohol, lots of maturity despite its relative young age. Really a revelation. Certainly one of the best quality-price ratio on the market.
In the palate, a kind of slightly acid and woody sherry, an impression of dryness first, quickly followed by richer notes, still sherry and hints between nut and wood intermixed with the malty sweetness and some light notes of citrus fruit.
The finish is in the same mood. Lingering and warm, reviewing all the fragrances of the palate. A great malt, what a pity there are not more of them like this...
After a blind tasting, what a surprise to discover it is a Macallan Cask Strength. One of the cheapest Macallan and really a very great marvel. No aggressiveness at all despite the high percentage of alcohol, lots of maturity despite its relative young age. Really a revelation. Certainly one of the best quality-price ratio on the market.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
12 years |
Alcohol |
40° |
Casks |
Sherry Oloroso and Fino |
Bottler |
Official |
|
|
The
colour is gold-orangey. The nose reveals hints of vanilla toffee,
of nuts and citrus fruits.
Slightly spicy, a smell of wood and flowers crowns the nose sensation.
The palate confirms this first impression, with hints of spicy wood, citrus fruits, nuts and toffee, perfectly balanced with some malt on the background.
Slightly spicy, a smell of wood and flowers crowns the nose sensation.
The palate confirms this first impression, with hints of spicy wood, citrus fruits, nuts and toffee, perfectly balanced with some malt on the background.
Unlike
other versions of Macallan where the smell and the taste are clearly
dominated by sherry, this bottle is perfectly balanced, between
the honey and vanilla hints and some more spicy touches. The whole
is rather pleasant. The finish with an average length, extends
the pleasure for some short minutes.
A second tasting did confirm the first one. The sometimes exaggerated sherryish hints so characteristic from certain Macallan's is not present here. I thought I was drinking an Edradour. An excellent bottle.
The nose is very good balances, with pleasant sweet nutty and vanilla hints. The elegant balance does not mean any lack at complexity, with discrete wood and cut flower fragrances. In the palate, a clear nut taste with some slightly acid hints (citrus fruits) on a background of slightly bitter malt. A spicy and relatively long finish.
The nose is clear and smooth, slightly spiced vanilla and malt with a touch of wood. A toffee impression with nuts and some sherry hints on the background. In the palate, smoothness dominates at first, with some relatively complex accent, going from malt to sweet citrus fruits, before going on on nice woody hints. A rather long finish, marked by spices.
The nose is clearly marked by sherry, very expressive, pleasant. Slightly pungent with nice nutty notes, and some bitterness. In the palate, a nice mix of bitterness, sweetness and acidity. Hazelnut, malt, a touch of citrus fruit. However, the dominant taste is that of fine wood. A nice finish, smooth and slightly bitter, with a clear presence of sherry.
A very nice nose with excellent although discrete hints of sherry and smooth notes of vanilla and hazelnut.\In the palate, a very pleasant mix of slightly bitter notes (cashew nuts) and fruity ones (plum jam) on a sweet malty background.
The lingering finish is smooth too and the same pleasant sensation due to this mix of sweetness and bitterness is present, prolonging perfectly the nose and mouth sensations.
A second tasting did confirm the first one. The sometimes exaggerated sherryish hints so characteristic from certain Macallan's is not present here. I thought I was drinking an Edradour. An excellent bottle.
The nose is very good balances, with pleasant sweet nutty and vanilla hints. The elegant balance does not mean any lack at complexity, with discrete wood and cut flower fragrances. In the palate, a clear nut taste with some slightly acid hints (citrus fruits) on a background of slightly bitter malt. A spicy and relatively long finish.
The nose is clear and smooth, slightly spiced vanilla and malt with a touch of wood. A toffee impression with nuts and some sherry hints on the background. In the palate, smoothness dominates at first, with some relatively complex accent, going from malt to sweet citrus fruits, before going on on nice woody hints. A rather long finish, marked by spices.
The nose is clearly marked by sherry, very expressive, pleasant. Slightly pungent with nice nutty notes, and some bitterness. In the palate, a nice mix of bitterness, sweetness and acidity. Hazelnut, malt, a touch of citrus fruit. However, the dominant taste is that of fine wood. A nice finish, smooth and slightly bitter, with a clear presence of sherry.
A very nice nose with excellent although discrete hints of sherry and smooth notes of vanilla and hazelnut.\In the palate, a very pleasant mix of slightly bitter notes (cashew nuts) and fruity ones (plum jam) on a sweet malty background.
The lingering finish is smooth too and the same pleasant sensation due to this mix of sweetness and bitterness is present, prolonging perfectly the nose and mouth sensations.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
18 years |
Alcohol |
43° |
Cask |
Sherry Oloroso |
Bottler |
Official |
|
|
The
colour is amber. The nose is marked by sherry, with some smoky
hints.
The palate is full, fresh and flowery, still with sherry and spices notes.
The lingering finish is rather long.
The palate is full, fresh and flowery, still with sherry and spices notes.
The lingering finish is rather long.
The
nose recognizes immediately the typical sherry smells of Macallan.
The taste is rather sweet, and reveals some smoke hints but is
also dominated by the sherry. A great whisky, specially for sherry
lovers... Personally, I think it is an excellent whisky, but certainly
not my favourite. There are lots of bottlings with a better price-quality
ratio. The finish is pleasant and lingering.
The nose is clearly marked by sherry hints and a touch of hazelnut, the whole being nicely and discretely spiced. In the palate, a rather clear presence of spices (clove) and some slightly spicy notes however dominated by a mix of sherry with very discrete woody notes. A touch of smoke as well. A very interesting finish, recalling the nut taste with a kind of bitterness on the background. The spiced character is not present in the finish.
Quite an intense sherry nose, with all the associated sweetness and richness. Rather bitter coffee hints, a touch of smoke, an exceptional richness. In the palate, the sherry impression remains, mixid with some slightly woody hints, with a kind of rather sweet but clear spices (cloves). A very nice finish, pleasantly bitter, with nutty touches.
Sherry smoothness characterises the first nose. Peppery notes mixed with nice woody and smoky hints, a touch of chocolate follow soon.
The mouth is a real festival of tastes, principally marked by a rather acid sherry and some clear woody notes.
The finish si lingering and keeps the memory of the woody (or even better, unripe walnut) bitterness.
The nose is clearly marked by sherry hints and a touch of hazelnut, the whole being nicely and discretely spiced. In the palate, a rather clear presence of spices (clove) and some slightly spicy notes however dominated by a mix of sherry with very discrete woody notes. A touch of smoke as well. A very interesting finish, recalling the nut taste with a kind of bitterness on the background. The spiced character is not present in the finish.
Quite an intense sherry nose, with all the associated sweetness and richness. Rather bitter coffee hints, a touch of smoke, an exceptional richness. In the palate, the sherry impression remains, mixid with some slightly woody hints, with a kind of rather sweet but clear spices (cloves). A very nice finish, pleasantly bitter, with nutty touches.
Sherry smoothness characterises the first nose. Peppery notes mixed with nice woody and smoky hints, a touch of chocolate follow soon.
The mouth is a real festival of tastes, principally marked by a rather acid sherry and some clear woody notes.
The finish si lingering and keeps the memory of the woody (or even better, unripe walnut) bitterness.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
No age statement |
Alcohol |
40° |
Bottler |
Official |
|
|
Colour:
Rich mahogany orange.
Nose: Rich, resinous, sherryed spice with dried fruits. Good citrus with a touch of light wood
Palate: Classic Macallan with sherryed, spicy cloves. Rich, oily viscosity
Aftertaste: Sherryed and ginger spice.
Nose: Rich, resinous, sherryed spice with dried fruits. Good citrus with a touch of light wood
Palate: Classic Macallan with sherryed, spicy cloves. Rich, oily viscosity
Aftertaste: Sherryed and ginger spice.
It
is obvious that this is a Macallan, from the very first nosing.
The sherry hints are very characteristic of a Macallan. The complexity
which is so typical of great Speyside whiskies
is not present, and the finish is of average length. The general impression is
that this is a very smooth whisky, with a rather plain taste, close
to malt. A good whisky.
A quite sweet nose, clearly marked by sherry and which does not announce great surprises with a kind of lack of complexity. In the palate, a prominence of a very sweet (sugared) taste, with sherry hints, but missing some power and complexity, even if there are some woody notes on the background. An interesting and pleasant finish, but this malt does not leave great memories.
The nose is clearly peppered with nice rather fresh floral notes. The mouth is first slightly acid, than sweet and finally a bit woody. Not very complex nor really exciting... It gives a kind of "too short" feeling, some watery impression, but this gets better as some woody notes appear after a while. The finish is rather long, on the same peppery notes than the first nosing.
A quite sweet nose, clearly marked by sherry and which does not announce great surprises with a kind of lack of complexity. In the palate, a prominence of a very sweet (sugared) taste, with sherry hints, but missing some power and complexity, even if there are some woody notes on the background. An interesting and pleasant finish, but this malt does not leave great memories.
The nose is clearly peppered with nice rather fresh floral notes. The mouth is first slightly acid, than sweet and finally a bit woody. Not very complex nor really exciting... It gives a kind of "too short" feeling, some watery impression, but this gets better as some woody notes appear after a while. The finish is rather long, on the same peppery notes than the first nosing.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
No age statement |
Alcohol |
40° |
Bottler |
Official |
|
|
Colour:
Rich amber copper.
Nose: Light apples and citrus. Light malty and floral notes with hints of resinous spice, enveloped in rich peat.
Palate: Peat smoke, apples, citrus orange and spice.
Aftertaste: Peat smoke and fruit.
Nose: Light apples and citrus. Light malty and floral notes with hints of resinous spice, enveloped in rich peat.
Palate: Peat smoke, apples, citrus orange and spice.
Aftertaste: Peat smoke and fruit.
The
traditional influence of sherry in Macallan's whiskies is not really
present in this version, which remains rather discrete. The nose
detects some sweet orange and malt hints, and the palate is pleasant,
however without the typical complexity of Speyside whiskies. A
short finish, sweet and fruity.
At the third tasting, sherry seemed to be more present, mixed to citrus hints and spices on a slightly smoky background. In the mouth, a bitter taste which develops on citrus notes. A nice finish, rather woody with a memory of smoke.
At the third tasting, sherry seemed to be more present, mixed to citrus hints and spices on a slightly smoky background. In the mouth, a bitter taste which develops on citrus notes. A nice finish, rather woody with a memory of smoke.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
No age statement |
Alcohol |
40° |
Bottler |
Official |
|
|
Colour:
Light amber orange.
Nose: Rich apples with strong peat smoke. Some floral, subtle dried fruits with hints of spice to add to the balance.
Palate: Rich phenolic with fresh apple fruit. Woody and slightly nutty.
Aftertaste: Peaty and nutty with hints of wood.
Nose: Rich apples with strong peat smoke. Some floral, subtle dried fruits with hints of spice to add to the balance.
Palate: Rich phenolic with fresh apple fruit. Woody and slightly nutty.
Aftertaste: Peaty and nutty with hints of wood.
From
the very first nosing, a kind of complexity of smells announces
a good bottle. The typical Macallan sherry smell is present. Some
smoke hints are detected, and the taste is rather pleasant, not
too dominated by sherry. The finish is form average length.
The nose reveals clear floral hints on a peaty background, but remains in a kind of monotone register. In the palate, a kind of weakness and an evident lack of character, despite its pleasant fruity notes where smoke and peat mix discretely. A slight taste somewhere between milk chocolate an wood is part of a quite long finish, mixed with some light peaty hints.
The nose reveals clear floral hints on a peaty background, but remains in a kind of monotone register. In the palate, a kind of weakness and an evident lack of character, despite its pleasant fruity notes where smoke and peat mix discretely. A slight taste somewhere between milk chocolate an wood is part of a quite long finish, mixed with some light peaty hints.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
No age statement |
Alcohol |
40° |
Bottler |
Official |
|
|
Colour:
Deep mahogany orange.
Nose: Rich resinous dried fruits, complex ginger & cloves with strong wood. Hints of toffee and a kiss of peat smoke.
Palate: Rich Macallan, strong sherry, resinous spice, dried fruits, a touch of nuttiness.
Aftertaste: Rich and spicy with a phenol touch.
Nose: Rich resinous dried fruits, complex ginger & cloves with strong wood. Hints of toffee and a kiss of peat smoke.
Palate: Rich Macallan, strong sherry, resinous spice, dried fruits, a touch of nuttiness.
Aftertaste: Rich and spicy with a phenol touch.
The
first nosing is responsible for strange feelings. Rather complex,
on a background of toasted malt mixed with some spices and some
hints of nuts... The taste is pleasant, even if it is dominated
by a kind of spicy sherry? Sherry in whisky, some like it, other
don't. Personally I am not a great fan of sherry, specially if it
is dominating. This whisky is however rather complex, and has a
remarkable finish, long and warm, even if it simply prolongs the
sherry domination feeling.
A very nice nose, mixing sherry and spices, gloves and some animal flavours (meat). In the mouth the sherry is clearly present and hides other tastes which re left behind. An spicy impression is left however. The nose was quite more interesting than the palate is. The finish is rather long and pleasant, with some hints of wallnut and spicy touches.
A very nice nose, mixing sherry and spices, gloves and some animal flavours (meat). In the mouth the sherry is clearly present and hides other tastes which re left behind. An spicy impression is left however. The nose was quite more interesting than the palate is. The finish is rather long and pleasant, with some hints of wallnut and spicy touches.
The Macallan
|
|
| Age | 12 years |
| Alcohol | 40° |
| Cask | Sherry and bourbon |
| Bottler | Official |
| Price/litre | |
Colour:
Rich straw
Nose: complex, with hints of fruit, vanilla and cut grass.
Palate:medium, balanced with fruit, oak and spice.
Finish: long, with dried fruits, oak and spice
Nose: complex, with hints of fruit, vanilla and cut grass.
Palate:medium, balanced with fruit, oak and spice.
Finish: long, with dried fruits, oak and spice
A
rather fresh and complex nose. Vanilla and malt, but very discrete,
and a touch of ripe fruits (pear?). In the palate, a surprise less
but also without any shortage. Where is the great complexity we
can expect from such a prestigious distillery? The finish is rather
long, with some spicy notes accompanying hints marked by alcohol
and dried fruits
A nice fresh nose, slighly peppery with clear hints of cut grass and ripe fruits. In the palate, a kind of complexity, with both acid and sweet fruity hints. A touch of hazelnut on the background. A bit of toffee. No aggressivity, but a touch of acidity. The finish is rather acid and long.
A nice fresh nose, slighly peppery with clear hints of cut grass and ripe fruits. In the palate, a kind of complexity, with both acid and sweet fruity hints. A touch of hazelnut on the background. A bit of toffee. No aggressivity, but a touch of acidity. The finish is rather acid and long.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
15 years |
Alcohol |
50° |
Bottler |
Douglas Laing |
|
|
The
complex and slightly spicy nose detects some nut hints hidden
behind rather clear sherry notes. In the palate, a very nice
complexity as well, slightly dominated by woody touches and evolution
on very nice malted, or even chocolate flavoured notes. A very
beautiful finish too, where the wood and the sherry are both
rather present.
An amazing fresh and fruity nose. Grass and plum, a touch of smoke. In the palate, first some bitterness developing on more acid notes, within a remarkable balance. The mouth is rather complex, with constant switching back and forth between nutty notes (hazelnut) some chocolate hints and the original acidity disappears quite soon. The finish is long and nicely marked by chocolate notes.
An amazing fresh and fruity nose. Grass and plum, a touch of smoke. In the palate, first some bitterness developing on more acid notes, within a remarkable balance. The mouth is rather complex, with constant switching back and forth between nutty notes (hazelnut) some chocolate hints and the original acidity disappears quite soon. The finish is long and nicely marked by chocolate notes.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
20 years |
Alcohol |
54,4° |
Bottler |
Scotts Selection |
|
|
The nose is rathre fresh with citrus hints (tangerine) and some cut grass. A smell of sherry too, but very discrete. The mouth is first slightly acid, and gets quickly bitter and dry, and the impression of alcohol is rather strong after a while before getting smoother rather quickly. The finish is quite short and slightly tingling.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
15 years |
Alcohol |
43° |
Bottler |
Jean Boyer |
The nose is clearly marked
by sherry, but other smells are present as well. A quite pleasant smell of wet wood and a hint of smoke on the
background. In the palate, the first impression is as rather dry whisky, and some acid touches complete the palate
impressions, before a nice development to something more oily and more roud. Sherry is present too. The finish
is relatively acid and woody, while the mouth was surprisingly enough not bitter at all. A good Macallan, even
for those who are not great fans of this distillery.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
15 years |
Alcohol |
56.4° |
Bottler |
Jean Boyer |
A sherry smell, even a bit
agressive one, pungent and slightly acid nose. Very fresh and interesting. Less complex than in its 46° version.
In the palate, first impression is dry wood, bitter. The alcohol is a bit too present, together with a touch of
acidity. The mouth is rather "linear", and the finish is more pleasant, lingering and warm, with hints
of cocoa and a memory of sherry.
The Macallan
|
|
Age |
13 ans |
Embouteilleur |
Jean Boyer |
Taux d'Alcool |
57,5° |
Quite an unusual mouth for
a Macallan. The sherry, usually so typical for this distillery is not present here. Instead fo sherry, a great
smoothness, vanilla and a nice complexity. Some discrete fruity hints and a touch of acidity characterize the smell
of this whisky. In the palate, the nose impressions are not really confirmed. A woody impression (new wood?) hiding
the other qulities which should exist behind this firt impression, specially nice vanilla hints. The finish is
lingering and pleasant. An unexpected but very pleasant whisky. Not really representative of the distillery, but
full of qualities. Great contrasts between mouth and nose, the finish confirming the mouth.
The Macallan |
|
Age |
19 years |
Bottler |
John McDougall |
Alcohol |
54.7° |
Price |
|
A nice nose marked by sherry, on the Macallan way. Some chocolate notes and a touch of smoke. No aggressiveness at all.
In the palate,all the warmth of nice sherry with a slight woody touch. What a pity that the whole is dominated by the alcohol, as this hides all the underlying complexity. Adding some drops of water help a lot.
The finish is lingering and pleasant, marked by a memory of sherry and fine wood. The alcohol feeling remains alas very strong.
A second tasting just a few days later confirmed the nose impressions. Very smooth and pleasantly marked by sherry. A kind of light veil, a touch of moisture smell probably due to the non chill-filtering method seems to even enhance the pleasure.
The palate remains very pleasant too and the dominating character of the alcohol seem to be gone after 2 days since the bottle was first opened. Nice notes, with a light chocolate taste and still the nice sherry feeling.
The finish too seems to be much more "tamed" than the first time.
A good Macallan.
In the palate,all the warmth of nice sherry with a slight woody touch. What a pity that the whole is dominated by the alcohol, as this hides all the underlying complexity. Adding some drops of water help a lot.
The finish is lingering and pleasant, marked by a memory of sherry and fine wood. The alcohol feeling remains alas very strong.
A second tasting just a few days later confirmed the nose impressions. Very smooth and pleasantly marked by sherry. A kind of light veil, a touch of moisture smell probably due to the non chill-filtering method seems to even enhance the pleasure.
The palate remains very pleasant too and the dominating character of the alcohol seem to be gone after 2 days since the bottle was first opened. Nice notes, with a light chocolate taste and still the nice sherry feeling.
The finish too seems to be much more "tamed" than the first time.
A good Macallan.
Speyside
The Speyside area is situated at the North of the Cairngorm mountain and goes to the Moray firth. It is delimited
by two rivers: the Findhorn at the West side and the Deveron on the East side.
The area is named after the river Spey. Most of the distilleries take their water in one of its affluents; the Fiddich, the
Livet or the Avon.
About sixty distilleries from Speyside are described on this site.
Click on the map for a list of the distilleries of the area, on the title for further information
about the Speyside area, and if you want to make an "alphabetical journey" through the area, please
click on one of the pagode roofs, according to the direction you want to follow
Whisky search engine
| Last update:
Saturday, 10-May-2008 22:35:53 CEST
Wed 14 05 2008, 04:33 - 40 visiteurs au cours de la dernière heure et 6 visiteurs sur le site en ce moment. Copyright:Jean-Marie Putz (2003-2007) |
Whisky is an alcoholic drink. Let's prefer quality to quantity as the abuse of alcohol beverages can damage the health. Consuming alcoholic drinks during pregnancy, even in small quantities, can seriously affect the health of the child. Consumption of alcohol impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.
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