Macallan 18 years 1995 Sherry Oak

Tasting notes by Serge Valentin (WhiskyFun.com) 89/100

THE classic. Not too sure if this line's been now discontinued or if they'll keep making them. Mind you, a genuine age, a genuine vintage and some genuine sherry casks from Jerez!

Colour: dark amber.

Nose: I don’t know how to put this, but this baby feels like home. What strikes first is a combination of juicy sultanas with orange marmalade and a new pack of eucalyptus drops, which makes it kind of wider than the usual sherry monster, whether coffeeish or Chrismassy. Then we have a little menthol, prunes, some chocolate and ganache, ultra-ripe bananas and a curious yet lovely feeling of curry powder with coconut milk and ginger. Kerala style?

Mouth: it’s rather drier than expected, certainly big, very full, very rich and then ultra-raisiny, that is to say that it’s becoming sweeter indeed. Then more chocolate and touches of coffee, a wee spiciness again (mole sauce?) and the faintest traces of new oak. It’s actually not very ‘wide’ and rather pretty compact and ‘focussed’, but that works perfectly. Finish: rather long, maybe a notch oaky now, quite dry this time, with some bitter chocolate and a little mustard. The aftertaste is quite oaky.

Comments: a sure bet. I think some vintages from the 1980s have been rather below par, but the recent ones are certainly up there again.

SGP:551 - 89 points.

Macallan Distillery

Macallan Distillery is located in the beautiful Speyside region, near Craigellachie in Moray. Founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid, Macallan has developed into one of the most prestigious names in the world of Scotch whisky. The distillery is located on a picturesque 390-acre estate, overlooking the River Spey.

A unique feature of Macallan is its use of exceptional quality oak casks for maturation, including ex-sherry casks of European and American oak. These casks give Macallan whiskies their characteristic rich, full flavour profiles with notes of dried fruit, herbs, chocolate, vanilla and a spice. Macallan is also known for its wide range of limited editions, appreciated by enthusiasts worldwide.

The distillery opened a state-of-the-art production facility in 2018, combining modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship. The combination of a beautiful location, high-quality casks and a commitment to quality makes Macallan a leading name in the world of Scotch single malt whisky.