Macallan Rare Cask

The Macallan Rare Cask is composed with no less than 16 sherry cask types and soon was labeled ‘legendary’. Macallan claims about 1% of their stocks are all that is worthy of being used in this Rare Cask. Well, well. Apart from the magnificent packaging, this is nevertheless just a NAS Macallan at drinking strength. I wonder if it will be worthy of its price tag of 250 EUR. It appeared in 2015.

The nose certainly shows lots of sherry in the guise of raisins, Seville oranges, roasted chestnut and dark honey, with some cherry liqueur and dark chocolate. Loads of earthy notes that give it some depth. Rather soft on the spices, but cinnamon and nutmeg are unmistakable. Do I detect some woodsmoke? I do get some red fruit. This nose is very pleasant and somewhat old school, which is always good news in my book.

It is very light and sweet upon arrival, with more bitter oranges (Cointreau, anyone?), dark honey, toffee, raisins, chewing tobacco, dades and figs. Soft on the spices, but nicely balanced. The oak counters the sweetness just about enough. Midpalate a slight bitterness appears as if from walnuts or a grape pith.

In the somewhat long finish I get more red fruit, albeit in a stew, with some spices.

Grand nose! Good palate and finish. Lovely Macallan, as it should be. Pity about the price tag though.

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