The Macallan Colour Collection 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml
Founded in 1824 The Macallan is a pioneer in Scottish whisky production, with a global reputation for its single malts. Founded by Alexander Reid, The Macallan draws its unique character from a confluence of influences. From the fertile Speyside region (historically called "Maghellan") to traditional methods and the natural resources of Scotland, Spain, and North America, each element contributes to the whisky's distinctive personality.
The Macallan's unwavering commitment to quality is embodied in its "Six Pillars," a philosophy encompassing every aspect of production. From the "place" itself to the passionate people involved, each pillar reinforces the brand's dedication to excellence. Central to this philosophy is the "Mastery of Wood and Spirit." The distillery's reputation rests on the exceptional quality of its oak casks, meticulously sourced, crafted, and seasoned under the watchful eye of The Macallan's Master of Wood. Up to 80% of the final flavour profile is influenced by these casks, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the signature Macallan style.
Another hallmark is the whisky's natural colour, derived solely from the wood during maturation. The distillery acknowledges the inherent variation in wood, with each cask imparting unique flavours and hues. Through expert cask management and selection, The Macallan ensures a consistent and beautiful colour spectrum across its bottlings, a key element of the brand's identity. The Macallan's dedication extends beyond Scotland. The distillery partners with Spanish cooperage companies, overseeing the entire process – from identifying oak trees in northern Spain to seasoning the casks for 18 months before their journey to Scotland. This meticulous approach, encompassing "tree to finished seasoned cask," underscores The Macallan's unwavering commitment to crafting an exceptional whisky experience.
The Macallans newest offering for 2024 is the Macallan Colour Collection. This expression signifies a renewed commitment to the brand's hallmarks: natural colour development and maturation in sherry casks. The whisky features a core maturation in American oak casks, subtly enhanced by the inclusion of European oak.
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, a region celebrated for its exceptional sherry production, provides the seasoned sherry casks used for this expression. These casks impart a beautiful, natural auburn hue to the whisky during its extended 18-year maturation.
Over this period, the spirit undergoes a remarkable transformation, developing a rich and layered flavour profile. Delicate notes of vanilla, milk chocolate, orange, and honeycomb emerge, interwoven with hints of lemon citrus, dried fruits, and baking spices. The influence of the sherry casks is evident in subtle whispers of almond, toffee, dried fruit, and a touch of warming spice. The resulting whisky is a harmonious blend of sweet and citrusy notes, with dominant characteristics of sweet oak, clementine, and honeycomb.
The packaging for the Colour Collection 18 Year Old is a work of art in itself. Designed by renowned artist and graphic designer David Carson, it captures the essence of Jerez. The artwork depicts the warm glow of the evening sun casting its light on the traditional "teja" rooftops of the bodegas, set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards with their characteristic chalk-white soil. This evocative imagery creates a perfect visual representation of the ideal environment for savouring a dram of The Macallan.
The Macallan Colour Collection is a celebration of The Macallan's commitment to natural colour and sherry seasoning. The Colour Collection 18 Year Old offers a whisky that has undergone maturation in American oak casks, enhanced by a delicate touch of European oak.
Nose
Clementine, panna cotta, baked apples with sultanas sweet oak.
Palate
Vanilla sponge, milk chocolate with orange, citrus peel, oak and honeycomb.
Finish
Medium with sweet oak and orange.
The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Highland
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 43%