The Macallan Fifties Single Malt Scotch Whisky (500ml)

Note: some bruising to the box.

This collectable range of four Macallan variants, recreated by the distillery's master Whisky Maker, reflects the style of The Macallan in the 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s and the distinctive packaging features a classic mode of travel from each era. Renowned international whisky writer, Michael Jackson, described the series in his Malt Whisky Companion as being ”Amongst the highest of any malts”.

To recreate the taste of the Macallan as it was in the 1950’s, sample bottles from that decade were opened and their aroma and flavour matched with more recent distillations. During the 1950’s, Spanish oak Sherry casks became available again following the disruption of World War II, allowing the Macallan to revert to using only first and second fill casks. Jim Murray scored the Macallan Fifties bottling 92 points. Other commentators seem to agree: the Fifties bottling foreshadows the classic characteristics of the Macallan we know today making it one of the stand-out editions in the series.

Other reviews... Nose: Sweetest of the range and the most 'classically' Macallan: toffee (Rolos), crème brulée, chestnut honey, spice, rubber. Figgy and resinous. Palate: Rich slippery texture that coats the mouth. Rich and ripe with spikes of dry spices (nutmeg/cinnamon). Finish: Good length sulphur, oil/ resin, chocolate and bitter orange. Comment: Dry oloroso. 40% Alc./Vol. 8.5 / 10.
- David Broom - whiskymag.com