Colour: Dark amber
Nose: Intensely nutty and complex, with chopped Brazil nuts, some mossy, moist tobacco, old
leather, dark Arabica coffee beans and cocoa powder. Given time in the glass, a lighter fruity note emerges with
a hint of fresh orchard stone fruit arrives, alongside vanilla pods and a touch of blood orange zest.
Palate: Oily and thick mouth feel, with an initial dry note of dark chocolate, dried figs and
stewed black cherries. It’s robust, dark, rich and textured. With a touch of water, some fruitier flavours
arrive, with a hint of some tropical mango, fresh black cherries and butterscotch.
Finish: Lengthy and surprisingly fresh, with the black cherry taking the lead, alongside a
lingering sweet vanilla and toasted oak.
Overall comment: A rich, dark and mysterious Macallan, with layers of complexity, which unveil
themselves as time progresses. Well balanced and highly drinkable.
By Neil Ridley, Drinks Writer and Presenter on Channel 4’s Sunday
Brunch
Colour: Dark caramel – providing a strong hint of the ‘bigness’ to come.
Nose: A nose-filling melange of sweet toffee and toasted grains with just a hint of smoke.
Palate: A gloriously rich, archetypal Macallan….and then some. The fat, oaty smokiness is
balanced by a touch of background sweetness that provides a deeply satisfying, fully-rounded complexity.
Finish: Long and smooth, with subtle dark chocolate notes.
Gordon’s verdict: If there was ever a feeling that vatted malts were secondary whiskies, this
offering should dispel that view for ever. This is a superb, flavour-packed dram that conjures up the lone stag
on the hill, the piper on the castle wall, the ghillie casting his line over the silk-smooth pool in search of
the elusive salmon.
By Gordon Coxhill, Whisky Enthusiast & Journalist