The Macallan Distillery The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old NV 750ml

This Speyside single malt is matured in Sherry oak casks from Jerez, Spain, for a minimum of 18 years. The amber spirit has a big, warm caramel flavor, finishing with a touch of sweet honey, bitter chocolate and espresso on the lingering finish. Viscous, creamy mouthfeel.

Macallan’s 18 year old expression is, for me, the highlight of its regular sherried range. Deep amber in color. The nose is rich and heavily fruited: fruit cake, mulberry, a little moist gingerbread, the bloody depths of molasses. On the palate, dried fruits — more figgy than raisined — while the natural oiliness in the spirit balances the boisterous tannins from the European oak. A singed note on the finish (an extension of the molasses?) completes the picture. Balanced and complex.

*Specially recommended for the less experienced Scotch drinkers. Scotch Whiskies to Drink in 2010: Standard of excellence; browned butter, toasted chestnut nose; fudge, deep, chocolate covered cherry taste; a benchmark.