Macallan Edition No. 3
Macallan Edition No. 3, NAS, 48.3 %
I have previously reviewed the Macallan Edition No. 2 (see review), and now the time has come to edition number 3. The Macallan Edition No. 3 was distilled in 2017. It is a no age statement (NAS) whisky like the two previous releases in the series.
Here is the official blurb on the Macallan Edition No. 3:
"Inspiration and innovation lie at the heart of The Macallan and nowhere is this more evident than with the Edition Series. To make Edition No. 3 we called on Master Perfumer Roja Dove to provide his remarkable sensory knowledge and experience to describe distinctive aromas in particular oak casks.
Drawn from a combination of European and American oak casks, Edition No. 3 presents a sweet and fruity character. It balances a heavier base reflective of The Macallan, with citrus, vanilla, florals and fresh cut oak."
There is an unusual amount of information on the casks used for this bottling. They have used 32 % hogsheads, 31 % sherry butts, 30 % puncheons, 7 % barrels. The types used are these:
- 1st fill Hudosa butts, American oak
- 2nd fill refill butts European and American oak
- 1st fill Tevasa butts/puncheons, European oak
- 1st fill bourbon hogsheads, American oak
- 1st fill Tevasa hogsheads, European oak
- 1st fill Bourbon barrels, American oak
Starting May 4 you can buy the Macallan Edition No. 3 in Norway at NOK 960 (10096101), and in the UK around GBP 78 (now sold out?).
Nose: Light floral notes. Apples - of the red and baked persuasion. The bourbon barrels seem a bit more in charge at this stage. Vanilla and light tropical notes, as well as soft oakiness.
Taste: Rich and a little rough mouthfeel. Rough in a good way! This is a really rich dram. There's spices and fruits aplenty. Honey and rich vanilla ice cream.
Finish: Medium to long finish. A bit less spicy now perhaps. The fruitiness is still rich; apples and honeydew melon. Orange zest. Hints of Aperol Spritz. In fact, the orange notes are what really makes this work. Delightful!
Comments: Wow, a modern classic. I love the extra body and richness we get from the higher ABV here.
Score (89/100)
Sláinte! - Thomas
