93
score
whiskybase
May 17, 2023
Appearance: Mahogany, some legs.
Nose: The almost-quintessential Macallan sherry vintage, balanced oak, toffee, dark chocolate, honey, brown sugar, raisin, vanilla, dusty old books, a bit chalky, pencil shavings, artichoke, oily rags, cigar humidor, rye (and a bit grainy in general), furniture polish, perhaps the faintest peat smoke (but I’m not convinced), plumb, dried fig, red apple (possibly stewed), green grape, pepper, butter or fats from a hot frying pan, damp leaves. The citrus notes often found in these vintages are absent on my nose. Still fantastic with some slightly unusual features.
Mouth: Sweet and oily, very rich on toffee and treacle, cocoa, honey, pine needles, star anise, dark dried fruits, grapefruit and orange (finally), plumb, metallic and flinty, very apparent astringent notes (but quirky rather than disheartening). It’s more intense and outspoken than similar Macallan vintages in my experience. Bold and rich. Picture a cheese board platter (without the cheese) smothered in black forest cake.
Finish: Medium, drying, fading on aniseed, pine needles, and something slightly bitter. Lasting warmth.
