At the Whisky Festival in Madrid last week, it turned out the Sherry Oak bottlings of The Macallan are not available in Spain. I even felt sorry for the representative who had never tried a sherried Macallan! Yes, but the Macallan Fine Oak 30 Years Old is partly matured in sherry casks, he replied. True, but still… next time I’ll make sure I get him a sample.

The Macallan Fine Oak 30 Years old
(43%, OB 2009)

Nose: very very smooth. Quite aromatic, but a lot maltier and granier than I expected. Oranges. Honeyed and slightly exotic, with a very soft sherry influence. Mouth: again very round, silky and malty. Some apples, peaches, vanilla, and quite some oak as well. Sweet honey. Getting sweeter (caramel) over time. Finish: medium-length on sweet toffee.

The oldest Macallan (in the core range) is really elegant but it lacks a bit of punch. I would have liked a bit more sherry influence as well. At around € 400 maybe not the best price vs. quality.

Score: 84/100