A Night to Remember: An Exclusive Macallan Single Malt Whisky Tasting Experience
Mmm Macallan (Photo: Whisky Saga)
This is my report from the super exclusive Macallan tasting on February 7, 2023, at Dr Jekyll’s Pub in Oslo, Norway. Host for the evening was Jonas Gram, Macallan Brand Ambassador for the Nordics.
We were treated to a rare deep dive into the very heart and essence of all things Macallan on this occasion. More than two hours of whisky bliss, where the focus was on this self declared luxury brand of Speyside single malt whisky. Amongst the facts we were presented with I made a note of the following:
The heart is 15 % during second distillation at Macallan
Their newmake is approx 69.5 %
Their casking strength is 64.5 %
They no longer use ex-bourbon casks for maturing their core range products, with a few exceptions for rare special editions
98 % of casks used for their core range is 1st fill
Most casks are ex-Oloroso sherry seasoned casks
The line-up (Photo: Whisky Saga)
Below you will find my brief tasting notes for the whiskies presented at the tasting:
Macallan 12 YO Sherry Oak, 40 %
Mostly matured in ex-sherry European oak casks
Nose: Prominent sherry notes with a subtle hint of spice and toffee.
Palate: Medium-light body, cool and sweet, with a blend of oaky, vanilla, caramel, and toffee flavors.
Finish: A medium-short finish, featuring pepper warmth, smooth vanilla, and a creamy touch.
Score 84/100
Macallan 18 YO Sherry Oak, 43 %
Exclusively ex-sherry casks.
Nose: A mild rubber essence, combined with rich maltiness, dried fruits, and a hint of leather.
Palate: Medium body, showcasing dark flavors of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and jam-filled confectionery.
Finish: A medium finish, highlighted by dark citrus notes for a well-rounded experience.
Score 87/100
Macallan Classic Cut 2022, 52.5 %
Annual release since 2017.
Nose: Orange syrup with a zesty touch, rich vanilla, grapefruit, and a warm, soft oaky presence over time.
Palate: A fresh and rich combination of zesty, fizzy, popping flavors, accompanied by chocolate.
Finish: A medium finish, delivering a rich and fresh sensation to round off the experience.
Score 88/100
Maestro Tommy Almåsbakk in action (Photo: Alex Thorsen - alextphoto).
Macallan The Rare Cask, 43%
They say only 0.5 % of their casks are eligible for this expression. A total of 15 different cask types used.
Nose: Dusty chocolate and caramel, complemented by sherry, spices, creamy vanilla, and subtle hints of citrus over time.
Palate: Medium body with a spicy yet light and playful character, featuring fizzy, cool notes of chocolate and lime.
Finish: A longish finish, carrying more fizz, ginger, citrus, and caramel, all while maintaining a light touch.
Score 87/100
Macallan Reflexion, 43 %
Matured in 100 % Spanish oak hogsheads.
Nose: Vibrant oranges and mandarins, sweet orange jam, accompanied by light chocolate and gentle spices.
Palate: A rich experience with slightly bitter orchard fruits, caramel, and a touch of ginger.
Finish: A long, lasting finish, continuing with the same flavors, subtly oaky and astringent, ending with a hint of jam.
Score 90/100
Brand Ambassador Jonas Gram doing show and tell (Photo: Alex Thorsen - alextphoto)
Macallan No. 6, 43 %
Matured exclusively in casks from Macallan's favorite Jerez bodega.
Nose: Darker tones with an emphasis on dried fruits, accompanied by a dry sensation.
Palate: Rich and rather dry, featuring spiciness, white pepper, and evolving into lighter, fruitier notes over time.
Finish: A long finish, maintaining dryness with flavors of figs, pepper, dust, and a touch of menthol.
Score 90/100
Macallan M Decanter 2016, 45%
Composed on single malt whisky from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.
Nose: Exceptionally complex, featuring both rich and light tones of orchard fruits and dried fruits, with a hint of rowan berries.
Palate: An incredibly rich taste, filled with red berries, honey, and light spices in a highly concentrated profile.
Finish: A long, indulgent finish, maintaining richness throughout, with subtle notes of eucalyptus and menthol.
Score 93/100
Snacks to go with the whisky (Photo: Whisky Saga)
All in all this was truly a night to remember!
Sláinte!
- Thomas
