The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak 1996

The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then, Macallan has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland - and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship.

The Macallan distillery was founded by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher. The original name of the area was “Maghellan”, taken from the Gaelic word “magh”, meaning fertile ground and “Ellan”, from the Monk St.Fillan - who held a close association with the church that stood in the grounds of The Macallan Estate until 1400. Farmers had been making whisky on their Speyside farms in the area for centuries, using their surplus barley during the quieter winter months.

The 1996 vintage Macallan is a complex cohesion of dried fruits, ginger, orange peel and leathery sherry. The latter influence is no surprise, after all, since the nectar matured exclusively in sherry casks from Jerez. An easy-drinking whisky that errs on the side of luxurious.
Overall: A top-notch dram, rich and satisfying.

    Nose:    Soft, plump raisins, ginger snaps dusted with cinnamon and vanilla creaminess. Oak in the background.

    Taste:    Stewed apples, again dusted with cinnamon. The oak from the nose develops. Clove and hints of orange peel.

    Finish:    Lasting notes of toffee, raisin and that final hint of oak.

Overall: A top-notch dram, rich and satisfying.

Note: Product has come from a private collection, minor markings are inevitable and collectors should have reasonable expectations in this regard.