Macallan Cask Strength

(59% ABV) Nose - (undiluted) Features dark chocolate, dark dried stone fruits, ripe strawberries, cherry liqueur, a whisper of damp tobacco and new leather. (with water) The dark dried fruit sweetness mellows slightly, the strawberry becomes more prominent, and notes reminiscent of barrel-aged apple cider emerge. Taste - (undiluted) Intense, syrupy sweetness with dark cherries, plums, and raisins. Strawberry jam, a hint of sweet damp tobacco, a light bitter oaky spice on the palate, and a faint butterscotch-like sweetness. (with water) The syrupy sweetness is reduced, less tartness, with the addition of milk and dark chocolate elements, slightly increased sweet tobacco notes, and a mild drying sensation with less bitter oak spice on the palate. Finish - (undiluted) A lingering sweetness of dark dried pitted fruits, traces of new leather on the back palate, with a warm and lightly drying sensation throughout the mouth. (with water) The dark fruit sweetness is somewhat toned down, resembling a dark cherry and strawberry gummy sweetness, with a very pleasant, lightly drying, and oaky bitterness akin to dark chocolate with dried cherries. Score - 95/100 Final Thoughts - Despite lacking an official age statement, this Scotch is exceptional. The sherry influence is very strong yet perfectly balanced. Some might find it overly sweet, but adding a bit of water significantly enhances its complexity and moderates the sweetness by revealing more chocolate notes. I hesitate to join the buzz, but I will cherish this bottle as it's no longer produced.

I visited my local whisky spot yesterday after cruising around Richmond, Virginia, searching for the remaining bottles of Classic Cut. I shared this quest with the bar owner, who persuaded me to try a serving of Classic Cut alongside a small measure of the original Cask Strength for comparison. At $22, it was an offer I could not pass up. While I enjoy the new Classic Cut, this bottle of Cask Strength (from 2013, at 59% ABV) is in a completely different league. The profound color carries through to the palate; it's evident this bottle has considerable maturity, despite being NAS. The dried raisins, prunes, and plums contribute significant sweetness, effectively balancing the high alcohol content, even surpassing the Classic Cut in this regard. It is remarkably intricate. It's akin to Rare Cask amplified to 60%. A subtle warmth lingers on the finish, but the intense flavors reappear once the heat dissipates, remaining until you actively try to get rid of them. I promptly conducted an online search for this rare bottle and discovered a few available, but retailers were asking over $500. That's an exorbitant price, especially for a NAS, but this is an exceptionally good bottle. If you can find an accommodating bartender, order a serving, and if your budget allows, purchase a bottle to experience it yourself. This represents Macallan at its peak. Awarded 4.5 stars.

60.1% Aroma- Rich dark fruits (think plums and dates); hint of grapefruits; cinnamon; espresso beans; dark chocolate covered raisins; musty oak; vanilla custard Palate- Initial wave of dark fruits soaked in sugary syrup; sweet honey; milk chocolate; dusty oak; juicy peaches; rich vanilla; Finish- Long, rich and thick finish; ginger spice; honey sweetness; grapefruit sourness; musty oak Rich, thick, delicate, and balanced all at the same time. There’s some hype to this bottle, and it lives right up to it. From nose to finish this is thick and rich. The levels of dark, thick and syrupy fruits is unlike anything i’ve had (next to Bunna px). There’s a dusty/musty oak note on the nose and finish as well, which I love. No need for even a drop of water in this, no need to water down the goodness. This is getting harder and more expensive to find, so if you can grab a bottle, do it.

60.1 abv. A substantial and deep sherry bomb. Nose: Raisins, Plums, Figs, Sultanas, Gingerbread, Milk Chocolate, Toffee, Cinnamon, Stewed Red Apples, Blackberries, Pineapples, Lavender Palate: Figs, Prunes, Toffee, Butterscotch, Chili Peppers, Marzipan, Nutella, Salted Caramel, Dates, Violets, Dark Chocolate, Blood Oranges, Raspberries, Blackberries Finish: Raisins, Gingerbread, Blood Oranges, Toffee, Walnuts, Nutmeg, Licorice, Cloves, Cinnamon, Sultanas, Peaches, Apricots, Hazlenuts

Powerful! Rich, velvety, and coating the mouth, with a mild tingle on the tongue and gums. Sadly, the middle section falters, presenting notes of plum followed by a numbing sensation that leads into a conclusion that is brief, fiery, and grainy. Worth sampling for those who enjoy intensely sherried whiskies, though superior alternatives exist at this price point.

The final entry in a distinguished series. A regrettable display of what a formerly esteemed producer is capable of. Substantial and still smooth. A masterclass in cask blending. The producer should refocus on malts like this, instead of their foolish attempts to capture new markets with an age-statement-free line based on color. A representation of past greatness.