Macallan Rare Cask Black 1824 Masters Series 48% 700ml

The Macallan Rare Cask Black from the esteemed distillery is a unique and limited release, bottled in 2015, with fewer than 100 casks used in its creation. This exceptional whisky is a marriage of first-fill European and American oak sherry casks, resulting in a fascinating combination of rich peat smoke and Macallan's characteristic Sherried Whiskies. The casks were carefully selected and allowed to mature in the dark warehouses of The Macallan, under the watchful eye of the Master Whisky Maker, until they were deemed ready for release.

Rare Cask Black is a testament to The Macallan's dedication to sherry seasoned oak casks and natural color. This whisky is crafted from an exceptionally high proportion of first-fill Spanish and American sherry seasoned oak casks, which have matured a distinctive peated spirit. The result is a rich burnished amber whisky, with a unique smoky flavor profile that sets it apart from other Macallan expressions. This smoky Macallan is a rare find, as there is very little of it in existence, and once used, these casks will not be available again. Rare Cask Black is an exclusive release for the travel retail market, making it a prized possession for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

FAQs

• What makes Macallan Rare Cask Black unique?

  The Macallan Rare Cask Black is unique due to its limited production from fewer than 100 casks and its distinctive combination of rich peat smoke and characteristic Sherried Whiskies. It's a rare smoky Macallan expression crafted from first-fill European and American oak sherry casks.

• What kind of casks are used in the maturation of Macallan Rare Cask Black?

  The whisky is matured in first-fill European and American oak sherry seasoned casks, which contribute to its rich flavor and distinctive smoky profile.

• Is Macallan Rare Cask Black readily available?

  No, Macallan Rare Cask Black is a limited release exclusive to the travel retail market, making it a rare and highly sought-after bottle.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: damp boards, furniture varnish, sweet creamy notes, toffee, fudge, boiled condensed milk, raisins, caramel, light earthy tones, prunes, homemade marshmallows, dried apples, dried apricots, milk chocolate, pipe tobacco, leather goods.
• Taste: rich, caramel sweetness, oak-furniture tones, coffee, chocolate, raisins, leather goods, flavored pipe tobacco, cola, stout notes, ginger, orange peel.
• Finish: spicy, refreshing, oak, coffee, chocolate, cola, prunes, velvety dark beer, light metallic sourness, sharp mineral shades.
• Overall: The Macallan Rare Cask Black is a powerful and rich whisky with an intricate array of flavors and aromas. It offers a complex yet well-balanced profile that harmonizes sherry-derived sweetness with smoky undertones, making it a distinctive and memorable experience.

Reviewer's opinion

The Macallan Rare Cask Black is an excellent example of a sherry bomb, offering a powerful and rich bouquet of sherry-aged derivatives. Despite its relatively young age, it boasts a well-balanced and drinkable profile. The interplay between caramel sweetness, oak, and smoky elements makes it a unique and enjoyable whisky, even if it doesn't quite reach the level of a masterpiece. For those who appreciate complex and sherry-forward whiskies, this bottle is a rare and valuable find.