The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak 2017 Single Malt Whisky
The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then, Macallan has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland – and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship.
The Macallan distillery was founded by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher. The original name of the area was “Maghellan”, taken from the Gaelic word “magh”, meaning fertile ground and “Ellan”, from the Monk St.Fillan – who held a close association with the church that stood in the grounds of The Macallan Estate until 1400. Farmers had been making whisky on their Speyside farms in the area for centuries, using their surplus barley during the quieter winter months.
This version of the 18 year old was the first to debut a new packaging style since 2006, with the long-running shiny purple box retired the previous year. This now joined the classic 12 year old expression as part of the Sherry Oak Cask strain of the Macallan core range.
As of 2016, the Macallan 18 year old has favoured stating the release year over the vintage of the whisky on its label. This was the second 18 year old to carry the release year on the label instead of the vintage.
Nose: Soft sherry, raisin, cherry, leather.
Taste: Plums, honey, seasoned oak, light spices, mellow ginger.
Finish: A long light sherried finish balanced with oaky notes, walnut, raisin, honey, ginger, tobacco.
