Macallan like to create whisky for every kind of person and perhaps the expressions they have the most fun with are those for the jet set. To mark the launch of The Macallan Boutique programme, a new expression has been unveiled that will be exclusive to these locations – The Macallan Boutique Collection, 2020 release. Macallan have created this new expression with a sense of continued exploration and thirst for experiences that has inspired The Macallan Boutique Collection, created exclusively for visitors to The Macallan Boutiques. Defined by notes of sweet dried fruits, toffee and ginger, this single malt is the result of a superior craftsmanship calling on both American and European oak sherry-seasoned casks to create a balance of fruitiness and oak.
On the nose: you’ll experience an initial waft of marmalade, raisins, vanilla, hazelnuts and a hint of butterscotch. Notes of dried figs, gingersnaps and aniseed start to emerge, alongside spicy notes of cinnamon, start anise, all-spice and toasted oak. Rounding-off the nose are notes of caramel, old leather, cedar wood, lemon zest and some light floral notes. On the palate: those notes of oranges are ever-present, alongside a milk chocolate note and dried forrest fruits. There are spicy notes of cinnamon, all-spice and ginger in there, alongside a note that can only be described as Christmas pudding. Notes of marzipan, coffee and liqourice start to appear. Completing the palate are notes of citrus zest, caramel, lavender and a hint of green herbs. The finish: is medium, sweet, with lingering zesty orange notes, spices and sweet oak.
The verdict: This exclusive Boutique Collection bottling is a rather intriguing dram of liquid gold. On my first encounter this dram didn’t seem so special, however, after a drop of water it completely changed. The nose and palate are rather delightful, though it does lack a little in the way of depth but is still unmistakably Macallan. With an ABV of 52%, it strangely enough doesn’t really require any water. Though, adding some water definitely yields more flavour.
Macallan 2020 Boutique Collection Single Malt Scotch Whisky is exclusively available to buy at the Macallan Boutique’s and is priced at approximately $199. For more information on this Travel Exclusive expression, visit the official themacallan.com