Macallan Speymalt 1997 - 2024 #4356

The Macallan Speymalt 1997 - 2024 (#4356) is a special and exclusive whisky, from the famous Macallan distillery and bottled by respected independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail. This whisky is part of their Speymalt series, which is specially dedicated to Macallan expressions. It is a bottling for the Collection Foundations, in partnership with La Maison du Whisky, one of the leading whisky retailers worldwide. This whisky was distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2024 after an impressive 27-year maturation. Macallan is known for its refined and rich sherry-aged whiskies, and this Speymalt bottling fits perfectly into that tradition.

Tasting note

Nose

The nose opens immediately with rich sherry influences, characteristic of a long maturation in sherry casks. You smell deep aromas of dried fruits such as sultanas, figs and dates, along with a sweet spiciness of cinnamon, cloves and a hint of nutmeg. There are also silky undertones of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans and a hint of orange peel. Over time, delicate hints of leather and polished mahogany unfold, adding to the complexity.

Taste

At the first sip, you feel the full body of this whisky. The flavour is rich and decadent, with a deep sweetness of sherry-aged notes such as dark chocolate, caramel, and toasted almonds. An intense fruity profile emerges, with flavours of candied orange, stewed plums and juicy black cherries. You also taste warming spices such as cinnamon and a subtle tone of oak, giving the whisky a perfect balance between sweet and spicy. The long barrel ageing ensures the flavours are perfectly integrated.

Finish

The finish is exceptionally long and complex, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit and soft oak. A delicate hint of spice emerges, with a hint of orange peel and a slight smoky undertone from the oak. This whisky lingers for a long time, with a velvety texture that invites another sip.

What others say about it

On WhiskyFun.com, Serge Valentin gives this Macallan a whopping 91/100 points. Read his tasting note here.

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.

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is one of the most respected and influential independent bottlers in the whisky world. With a history dating back to 1895 and a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, the company has played a key role in the development and popularisation of single malt whisky. Their extensive portfolio, ranging from rare old whiskies to unique expressions from well-known distilleries, makes Gordon & MacPhail a favourite among whisky collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

History

Gordon & MacPhail was founded in 1895 by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail. It began as a grocery shop in Elgin, selling a wide range of products, including tea, coffee, wine, and spirits. Soon the company focused on whisky, starting by bottling single malts, and one of Gordon & MacPhail's most important contributions to the whisky industry was their vision of maturing whiskies over long periods of time. While many distilleries focused on producing whisky for blends, Gordon & MacPhail saw the potential of single malts and began storing whiskies in their own casks for long-term maturation.