The Macallan Fine Oak Whisky Maker's Selection Scotch Single Malt Whisky (1000ml)
'Fine Oak' is a polarising member of the Macallan stable that causes endless controversy amongst Macallan's fans. The release of Fine Oak label coincided with scaling back the distribution of Macallan's traditional 100% Sherry Oaked whiskies, which was a departure from the house style which over time had built a style which had almost unprecedented adoration - almost fanatacism amongst malt lovers worldwide.
The introduction of ex-Bourbon casks into the vatting effectively put Macallan on a diet of sorts, trimming and toning, some will say that Macallan is now all the better now for doing so, as it's turned the whisky into a soft, delicate and approachable style, though the die hard fans adamantly disagree.
This Whisky Maker's Selection bottling is a vatting of some quality ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks of various ages personally selected by the whisky maker at Macallan, at what is said to be his/her preferred strength of 42.8% Alc./Vol. Produced exclusively for travel retail, we have secured a very small parcel. Like any Macallan, it's a delight for collectors and will sell out quickly.
No tasting notes available.
Other Reviews.... n22 Good age with the oak determining a dry course; the barley carries delicate grape; t23 distinctively Speyside-style with an early avalanche of spice; there is a barley-juiced fruitiness and perhaps a fino touch, too; f23 long, with all the vanilla you'd expect from such a well oaked dram; the clean-ness of the barley and grape is stnning, as is the light oily sheen that carries the dim sweetness; b24 those who cannot see Macallan in anything other than chestnut oloroso will be having sleepless nights: this is a dram of exquisite sophistication. The ultimate pre-prandial dram with it's coy, mildly cocoaed dryness, set against just enough barley and fruit sweetness here and there to see off any hints of austerity. Some great work has gone on in the lab to make this happen: fabulous stuff, chaps. 92 Points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2010.
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