The Macallan distillery in Scotland is know for its extensive use of sherry cask aging for its Scotch single malt whiskies. Amongst its many expressions is the Double Cask series, a range of bottlings that are crafted from a combination of whiskies aging in American and European oak sherry seasoned casks. Two new releases are now joining this line up.
The new The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old and The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old, according to those behind it, joined the well regarded The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, which was released back in 2016. As reflected above, all three offerings come about with their voyage beginning “in the vast green forests of northern Spain and the French Pyrenees, where The Macallan sources its European oak. New oak from the lush forests of Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky in America is also transported thousands of miles to Spain, where both types of oak are handcrafted into casks that are filled with sherry.
“Once seasoned, the casks are shipped to The Macallan Estate in Speyside where they are filled with new-make spirit. Following years of slumber, The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team uses their skill and expertise to select the best balance of spirit from both the American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to create Double Cask. The result is a perfect partnership, with the sherry seasoned American oak imparting delicate flavors of vanilla, while the European oak delivers the subtle and unmistakable spice and classic style of The Macallan.”
“Bringing together American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to achieve the perfect balance of flavors is incredibly exciting for the Whisky Mastery Team,” said Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker at The Macallan, in a prepared statement, “and we are proud to offer two new expressions to this distinctive range for The Macallan Double Cask fans to explore.
“Oak influence is the single greatest contributor to the quality, natural color and distinctive aromas and flavors at the heart of The Macallan’s single malts.”
Plans call for the 15 year old and 18 year old, priced respectively at $135 and $330 per 750 ml bottle, to become available globally starting this month. You’ll find official tasting notes for both below from The Macallan.
Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old
- Color: Golden butterscotch
- Aroma: Dried fruits, toffee and vanilla with smooth oak and baked apple balanced with notes of honey and chocolate
- Palate: Sweet raisin and sultana builds with hints of vanilla, wood spice and citrus
- Finish: Warm ginger turning to caramel and citrus with a creamy mouth feel
- ABV: 43%
Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old
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- Color: Amber honey
- Aroma: Dried fruits, ginger and toffee with rich orange and hints of clove with nutmeg
- Palate: Rich raisin and sultana with notes of caramel, vanilla and ginger balanced by wood spice and zesty citrus
- Finish: Warm oak spice with ginger turning to sweet orange
- ABV: 43%
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