Macallan Rare Cask (2022 Release)

Review #096 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: NAS, sherry-seasoned oak Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Brown sherry color. Swirling reveals a thick coating on the side of the glass; the legs form very slowly. Nose: 17/20 Dried figs, sticky raisins, dark chocolate, dried apricots, berry compote, the scent you get when opening an old book, and a pinch of nutmeg. It's not particularly captivating or complex, but it's a very pleasant dram that I could happily smell for a long time. Palate: 31/40 In contrast to the nose, the palate is more spicy than fruity. Nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peel, and oak spice are the dominant flavors. Digging a little deeper after it rests, there are subtle hints of toffee and raisins as well. Finish: 28/40 Medium-short finish. Mostly a continuation of the palate. Nutmeg, bitter and zesty orange peel, a pinch of salt, and a little oak spice appear first. As those fade, they are replaced by mild notes of raisins and ginger, mixed with another flavor I can't quite identify, but my first impression is of old metal nails in a dusty cardboard box. I have no idea what that might taste like, but I imagine it could be similar to this mysterious flavor. This odd combination gradually disappears as if it's being diluted with more and more water. With Water: A few drops of water enhance the chocolate aroma on the nose, making it more like milk chocolate. There's a bit more zest and sweetness on the palate, though I can't pinpoint the exact flavors responsible for these changes, and a hint of fresh wintergreen leaf at the end of the finish. Total: 76/100 Final thoughts: The aroma of this dram suggests age. The fruit notes are dried, the chocolate is bitter, not sweet, and it reminds me of being in a library. However, once you move past the delightful nose, it seems to fall flat. I purchased this bottle a few years ago when it was on sale, but a 43% NAS chill-filtered bottle like this is not something I would buy today. After opening it and having a few sips, I find it perfectly acceptable and enjoyable, but not worth the price, and it's not a bottle I would advise anyone else to purchase. I suspect most of the liquid in this blend is quite old, and some of the casks used were remarkable. Unfortunately, after being diluted and chill-filtered, the liquid in this bottle is not. Price: $280 Would recommend: no Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.