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Scotch Whisky Review: Macallan Private Eye

Macallan Private Eye was originally just £36, with some rather wonderful artwork from gonzo artist Ralph Steadman.

OVERALL RATING

8
$6,250
  • Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant with over a decade of experience in whisky retail and online whisky education. Best known for hosting Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, he is dedicated to making whisky accessible and enjoyable by cutting through jargon and complexity.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Launched to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Private Eye Magazine. This super sought-after bottle was originally just £36, with some rather wonderful artwork from gonzo artist Ralph Steadman. Containing stocks from as far back as 1961, the rest being held from public knowledge. There is no doubt that it is one of the most noticeable and memorable bottles of Macallan ever produced.
Appearance:
Ox Blood Red
Nose:
Drier than expected, none of those instant raisin and ginger notes we expect from Macallan.

A key focus are these incredible leather notes coming from it. Imagine entering a vintage leather shop with all of the old jackets, wallets and belts hung up. A little more time in the glass has brought some more welcoming notes of flamed orange peel, caramel centered chocolates, there’s the famous raisin note! Something I always get from older Macallan bottles is that orange cream/fondant note.

Some vanilla, plum and classic ginger are coming through now.
Palate:
The bottling strength of 40% makes it seem a little weak compared to the depth of the nose.

The plum, ginger and vanilla are racing to the front of the queue. Two quite contrasting things of cinnamon and a little trave of sulphur are here now. The sulphur could be confused for a burnt wood note, but it feels more like the former. After another sip or two, we have cherry, brown sugar, famous Christmas cake notes, mint, and the smell of freshly opened cigar box.
Finish:
Earthy bitterness but coming in the form of macadamia nuts and almonds. More cherry making a final run for the finish line. More cigar box wood notes, with tobacco leaf and woody spices. Leaving off on a touch more sulphur and 90%+ dark chocolate.
Comments:
A pleasure to try and even see, but not my favourite Macallan.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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