Impossible to keep up with the 100 Proof series from Signatory Vintage, especially these undisclosed (M) single malts. Here we have another cask #13, an Oloroso sherry butt bottled in the premium Exceptional Cask range.
Speyside (M) 16 yo 2009 (57,1%, Signatory Vintage ‘100 Proof – Exceptional Cask #13’ 2025, Oloroso sherry butt)
Nose: jammy red fruits but also lots of cigar boxes. Raisins, orange peels and plums. Some buttery nougat and brown sugar. Then milk chocolate, cinnamon and moist mossy notes. There’s some meatiness in the background but it also has a subtle floral touch, as if entirely different casks were brought together.
Mouth: a very spicy attack, with a lot of caraway, nutmeg and pepper. This is immediately followed by a sweet-and-sour layer of cherries, plums and dark chocolate. Also lightly bitter notes, almost medicinal at some point. Then the usual raisins and orange marmalade. Overall the umami side is bigger though. Coffee and more black pepper towards the finish.
Finish: medium to long, with clove, coffee and cocoa powder, as well as some spicy heat.
Really intense Macallan, a little pressure-cooked even. Perhaps a little rough around the edges (I’m sure this would improve in an open bottle), but better than most official bottlings and great value for money.