Scotch

Whisky Review: Macallan 10 Year Old Early 2000s

The Macallan 10 Year Old has been a staple of the distillery's core range since the 1980s.

OVERALL RATING

7
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Tasting Notes

About:

There is always talk of Macallan of the psst being ‘the best’, ‘the holy grail’, ‘the best a cask can get’. Well, that isn’t always the case. No distiller can be top of the game forever, it’s just a natural cycle in the realm of supply, demand, consumer habits, and peoples perceptions of the brand. There is no doubt, however, that Macallan has produced some fantastic whiskies. Is this one of them? This is a Macallan 10 Year Old bottled in the early 2000s.
Appearance:
Dark Orange
Nose:
Orange oil and brown butter. I was expecting the classic Macallan chocolate orange note, but it’s very absent in this 10 Year Old offering. Strawberry cream and some tart raspberry notes filling out the sides. This is all a little off for me, nowhere near as many sweet Macallan notes as I was expecting.
Palate:
A little spicier to start off with than I would have imagined, slight acetone/nail varnish remover scent to it on arrival. Mellows out and becomes more of a modern sherry style. It honestly reminds me of current Glendronach 12 Year Old and Glenturret 12YO. There’s a Christmas spice to it that is classic, but not as indulgent as I’d want.
Finish:
More brown butter, that’s a delicious note to end on in all honesty – dips me into that indulgence I’ve been missing. Some very astringent/drying notes on the finish, reminds me of some more modern styles in regards to Kavalan and their Vinho Barrique releases.
Comments:
Not a huge fan. Even though this a more vintage Macallan it is missing alot of classic characteristics.

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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