Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The Macallan 30: A Rare Treat

The Macallan 30
Name: The Macallan 30 Years Old
Distillery: Macallan
Region: Speyside/Highland
Age Statement: 30 Years Old
Type: Single Malt
Alc/Vol: 43%

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was given a rare treat yesterday. I was given the opportunity to try the Macallan 30 Years Old, matured in Sherry Oak casks. Much has been said about the new Fine Oak finishes from Macallan, I had the chance to try the 12 year old Fine Oak expression and I liked it, but Macallan gained its fame arguably through their sherry oak releases. Indeed the colour on this 30 year old dram is beautiful, almost like a beautiful mahogany wood.

As a distillery, I think there is some confusion between whether the Macallan distillery belongs to the Highland region or the Speyside region. Just a little background on this: the Speyside region is actually in the Highlands of Scotland, but due to the high concentration of distilleries in that region and also some similar stylistic features, it has been divided into a region on its own. If one considers the Macallan a Speysider, this region boasts ownership of two of the best selling Single Malts in the world, the other being Glenfiddich in Dufftown. If one looks closely at the photograph in this post, you would see that Macallan labels itself as a 'Highland' malt, but due to the fact that is still recognised as a Speysider by most critics and whisky retailers, we shall classify it under a Speyside malt.

The Macallan 30, as one would expect, is very much a classic Macallan with beautiful influences of the oak playing a hugely influential role in the whisky itself. This was indeed a treat. 

Nose: Just what one would expect from a good sherry oak finish: Intense chocolate and wood influences, hint of milk chocolate but more dark cocoa. Lovely brandy soaked raisins and cherries and light spice. Despite the age, the wood has by no means ravaged this beauty.

Taste/Palate: Rich, dark cocoa with lovely light hints of spiciness and liquorice. Slight notes of honey and fruits come in at the end

Finish: Lovely chocolately finish with the sweet flavours of the soaked fruits bringing up a truly enjoyable end!

Overall: I may never get to taste those real classic Macallans of old, maybe I will. But for the current moment, I know this is as good as it gets. Amazing stuff. 93/100

1 comment:

  1. At Luxurious Whiskey, we are proud to offer the highest level of service to our customers, online and in-store.
    macallan 30 review

    See More:- https://luxuriouswhiskey.com/

    Whatsapp: +1 707 633 3917
    Email: service@luxuriouswhiskey.com

    ReplyDelete