The Macallan Cask Strength
60.1% ABV
$70-$80 (original retail; several multiples now at auction)
Website
What the Bottle Says
(Unfortunately as a discontinued offering, no mention of it on their web-site)
Exclusively matured in selected sherry oak casks from Jerez, Spain & bottled at original cask strength.
This Macallan is bottled at original cask strength without chill filtration or the addition of water. The result is a particularly rich Single Malt, in our opinion best enjoyed with a splash of water to release the complex aromas and sumptuous flavours. Just how much water is left entirely to you. Making this the perfect Single Malt for the adventurous whisky drinker who likes to experiment and explore.
What Gary Says
Nose: Thick, rich stewed plums and raisins covered in molasses, dark chocolate covered coffee beans, charred oak, a worn leather chair in a musty library where cigars were enjoyed the night before – yeah, that kind of depth.
Palate: Thick and viscous, intense dark fruit – mincemeat pie that went easy on the cinnamon, some pepper edge that gives way to hints of nutmeg and a faint whisper of anise.
Finish: Long and lingering, with fruit, hints of chocolate and pepper spice.
Comments: I only discovered this lovely pour a few years back, stumbling upon some bottles while hunting for dusty bourbon. I bought a couple, and would kick myself for not buying every last one if it might change what happened (I have it on good account my Delorean won’t be out of the shop anytime soon – so pointless). When I first poured it, my immediate thought was “This is the George T. Stagg of Scotch!” With many more years of experience across different whiskies, I’m not sure I would disagree with that initial assessment. This is a bold, intense yet balanced whisky. Unfortunately discontinued many years ago, and now going for several multiples of the retail price at auction. Never bought whisky via an auction previously, although as I near the end of my last bottle – giving that more thought.
Hello Gary, I have a bottle of the Cask Strength and want to sell it. Any suggestions on how to do that? I’m in Ohio and they have strange rules on liquor sales.
Hi Miriam, unfortunately while there are many folks (including readers) who would love to help with that, the laws around selling bottles of whiskey make it challenging. There are auction sites (a listing from Whisky Advocate is below) where you may be able to list it. Something sought after like that would likely bring a fair market price (versus rolling the dice on some social media transaction). Cheers!