On the nose a creamy toffee, caramel and vanilla - offset by a distinct pepperiness. Very slight peat smoke. On the palate, fruity with pear drops and luscious apricot. Creamy vanilla yoghurt and a very gentle smattering of peat.
Bottled at an impeccable 43% ABV, this 2023 release in the Rare Cask series is a testament to the Macallan Distillery's unwavering dedication to quality and tradition. The Macallan Rare Cask 2023 Release is crafted from the finest and rarest sherry-seasoned oak casks, meticulously selected to deliver The Macallan’s full-bodied character. Each cask is chosen for its exceptional richness and depth, imparting a symphony of flavours that define this exquisite whisky. The careful curation of European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks results in a whisky of unparalleled richness and sophistication.
On the palate, this dram is a spicy bomb in the foreground, drying slowly the palate. It highlights black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then it evolves to the sweeter side, full of vanilla and raisins. It is lighter than expected, with orange sponge cake and baked apple notes. There are intense drying oak flavors, and light almond notes. The finish is long and dry, highlighting nutmeg and a fresh touch of ginger.
It's a smooth, sherry-forward, easy drinker of elegance and style. It won't overpower your palate, it's sweet and not too spicy, full bodied and rich- everything you look for in a special occasion whisky to be shared with friends and colleagues. It's a bit overpriced for my liking, but that's Macallan
America's biggest-selling premium bourbon, the much-loved Wild Turkey 101 is a richly-flavoured concoction with a mellowness that belies its high strength.
Matured in a high proportion of first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, this superb 18 Year Old single malt pays tribute to Highland Park's 5 keystones of production and presents a sophisticated medley of ripe cherries dusted with bittersweet cocoa, freshly harvested honeycomb and candied orange peel. There’s a whisper of Orkney’s salty seaspray in the aromatic peat smoke.