Macallan 10 Year Old Sherry Oak
The Macallan 10 Year Old Sherry Oak hails from a previous Macallan-era, one in which age statements were still the norm. I’ve tasted several of the old Macallan age statement whiskies, like the 10yo Fine Oak counterpart for example. But the most memorable one has to be a 10 year old that was bottled in 1985.
I’m talking of course about the 10yo for Giovinetti & Figli Milano. Bottled at just 40 percent, it was a surprisingly wonderful sherry matured Macallan, that also received a boost from a proper bit of bottle aging. I still remember it vividly, so I really wonder how a more modern sherry matured Macallan of the same age will compare.
Macallan 10 Sherry Oak (40%, OB)
Nose: Ah yes, can’t get around the sherry influence here. Burlap, fresh cherries and sultanas as well. Some milk chocolate. And a hint of copper coins. Mellow and inviting.
Taste: A distant salinity, but mainly sherry influence (cherry syrup, dates and fudge) and spices (cinnamon).
Finish: Slightly bitter, but ending on a sweet sherry note. Medium in length.
Rating: 83
Years ago, when this was still sold at a normal retail price, this certainly was a very decent entry level single malt. Warm, fairly balanced and inviting. Lacks a bit of richness but is very drinkable. But nowadays you can get more bang for your buck elsewhere.
Thijs is a spirits writer and accredited liquorist from The Netherlands. He runs the blog Words of Whisky and contributes to a number of Dutch and international publications.
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