The Quest Collection formed The Macallan’s global travel retail range since 2018, until it was replaced by the Colour and Harmony collections. The Macallan Terra aged exclusively in first-fill sherry casks (from Tevasa and Vasyma). Together with The Macallan Enigma it was one of the expensive options in the range.
The Macallan Terra (43,8%, OB ‘Quest Collection’ 2017, first-fill sherry casks)
Nose: a slightly thin combination of copper, walnuts, red plum and roasted peanuts. A sour winey touch as well, coming close to red berry yoghurt as well. Bunches of grapes. Then orange peels, lightly burnt brioche, toffee and clove.
Mouth: rather wood-driven. The toasted European oak stands out, bringing cloves, walnuts and ginger. Then sultanas, orangettes, toffee and clove. Some herbal tea and roasted coffee beans in the background. Missing a bit of fruity body.
Finish: on the short side, on toffee and a leathery drying note.
This is the Macallan’s modern recipe for most of the lower-end range. Very cask-forward with bloated caramel notes and active spice that doesn’t feel entirely integrated. Still available from a couple of retailers like Master of Malt.