A while before we started posting tasting notes on Macallan, there once was a range known as The 1824 Series, which was comprised of the Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby expressions. The Gold is perhaps the only serving expression from this range with the others long discontinued. That said, we managed to get our hands on the Ruby expression from the 1824 Series not too long ago. The 1824 Series, was a celebration of natural colour. Matured in sherry seasoned oak casks – one of the most distinctive and defining characteristic of The Macallan – lies at the heart of The 1824 Series. Matured in 100% sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, the range delivers a gradation of colour from light to dark, with the natural wood character defining a unique flavour in each expression. From lighter, lemon citrus notes to richer flavours of dried fruit, each release builds in intensity as you progress through the range. The Macallan Ruby sat at the pinnacle of The Macallan 1824 Series. As the darkest and richest single malt in range.
On the nose: there’s a lovely waft of oranges, dried fruits, currants, liquorice and dark chocolate. These initial notes are closely followed by cinnamon, start anise, stem ginger and cloves. Notes of plums, treacle, prunes and a hint of zest start to appear, alongside, white pepper and old leather. Completing the nose are notes of poached pears, parma violets, mint, a hint of herbs and lavender. On the palate: those notes of currants, dried fruit and prunes are ever-present, followed by notes of liquorice, oranges and dark chocolate. Notes of all-spice start to appear, alongside cinnamon, cloves, peppermint and star anise. Rounding-off the palate are notes of bergamot, espresso, green herbs, old leather, zest and a hint of nutty oak. The finish: is long, bittersweet and mildly spicy with lingering notes of dark stewed fruits and herbs.
The verdict: This old Ruby expression displays classic Macallan notes with every sip. The nose to palate are a joy, with a the finish that just reinforces the palate. The Macallan Ruby has an ABV of 43%. This whisky is perhaps a little different from the typical Sherry bombs that I’ve sampled from Macallan but it nonetheless still showcases their skill in creating beautiful non-age statement drops of liquid gold.
The Macallan Ruby Single Malt Scotch Whisky can be found online or in-store at any well-stocked whisky shop for approximately £240. For more information on this 1824 Series Ruby expression, visit the official Macallan website.
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