The Schtick: Distilled in 1974 and aged for 29 years, this is an independent bottling from the legendary Macallan distillery. Bottled at 40% it is clear this is likely not to be cask strength. This cost me a pretty penny at auction, but I’ve long wanted to try Macallan from this era so let’s dive in!
Disclosure: None. Purchased at auction.
Review #2616 | Whiskey Review #965
Distiller: Macallan
Bottler: Speymalt
Brand: Speymalt
Selection: None – General Release
ABV: 40% ABV
Age: 29 Years
Nose: Decadent nose that’s full of black cherries, dark cocoa chocolate, espresso, luxardo and rich, full sherry notes. The cola, cocoa and cherry are especially pronounced.
Taste: Thin to moderate palate. Notably cherry and cola forward here. Sour cherries, a hint of pear and apple. Rich cocoa, dark chocolate, root beer, fresh baked pastries and honey.
Finish: Moderate finish, a touch lactic, the tart cherry pops up once more. Lovely creamy cocoa and more date, and nutty sherry than I’ve gotten from the nose or palate. Not the longest finish, it’s drier than anticipated. Dense and rich.
Overall: Overall, maybe in some ways don’t meet your heroes. Or spend more to get a real vintage single cask Macallan (something I am far from positioned to be able to do). This cask is good, possibly very good, but far from the life changing water of life that some may anticipate. Regret? Not so much. A good reminder that at every era, even the best producers also make just good casks, and this is certainly one of them.
Thanks for reading!
Rank: 6
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