Musings:
Tasted this more than half year ago, which feels like a distant past given the number of whiskies I have come across since then. Looking at this tasting note reminds me how Macallan has changed over time but some of the spirit character remains unfazed. While I do not see how the current Macallan is a few levels above (as the price suggested) the rest of the bunch, but after trying some of their higher end and older stocks, I really enjoy the elegance and purity of its malt. Hopefully we can see more of the Macallan brilliance which does not come in a Lalique price in the future…
-Esmond
Tasting notes:
The Macallan 18 Years Old 1995 ☆
Style: Dry Sherry and Articulated
Nose:
Soft elegant mix of dried figs and red fruits with spices – cinnamon, black pepper and anise. Whispers from vanilla and oak to give a hint of creaminess and dryness. Vivid, sweet grape juice more apparent over time, with a lovely buttery texture that makes it a really entertaining nose.
Palate:
Red fruits, prunes and dry oak combined to make an explosion with strength. Powerful and lengthy surge of dry sherry and oaky notes, with gingery spice following along side. Touches of mocha, toffee and vanilla join in and caused a stir in the middle, but they finally give way to a very clean malty flavour towards the end.
Finish:
Consistent flow of sherry notes, but more of the drier side of sherry (Oloroso perhaps?) than the sweetness can be felt. Delicious interweave of raisins, vanilla, oak and malt that goes on to a tender, never-ending finish.
Thoughts:
There was a lot of anticipation before I actually tried this, probably due to the numerous discussions about the distillery and how its quality is comparable to Rolls Royce. To be honest, I was surprised by the style when I tasted it – The emphasis is on how all the elements were entwined together, like thin threads rolling into one, they blend together to form a delicious, compact and consistent flow of flavours that propel all the way to the end. Clean and tidy structure at each phase, expressive with great clarity, I think this is one of the most articulated whisky I have ever encountered.
(43%/2013/OB/NC/GR)
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