The Macallan Classic Cut 2018 Edition Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured. No gift box included.

“...Ask any distillery manager his second favourite dram and as often as not the Macallan is it.” So wrote Jim Murray. It's a truism that resonates with a small group of 'Macallan chasers' who simply will not settle for less. All the better when the whisky in question is natural strength.

This is the second 'Classic Cut' we've managed to secure, part of a limited annual series celebrating Macallan's ongoing commitment to "seek out the extraordinary." While the official distillery website has had these on offer, they obviously didn't produce huge volumes as sales were restrictied to one bottle per customer. More often than not, sources for these rarities are typically private collections. While the 2018 is a very recent expression (at least for the US market), the Classic Cuts are true to 'traditional' Macallan form, being matured exclusively in handpicked oloroso sherry seasoned casks from Jerez, Spain. Even better - it's cask strength - a style that's proving increasingly popular with both Macallan loyalists and new drinkers. As with fine wines, we'd recommend giving this whisky a good 15-30 minutes to breathe and open up to show its best. Try it straight, then with a few drops of water. 51.2% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... [2018 Edition] More NAS, sadly, but a higher strength, which makes for some wee compensation. Hope this baby will be more satisfying than the pretty weak ‘Rare Cask’ that we tried a few weeks ago. Please note that this is a limited edition (90,000 bottles, right…) Colour: gold. Nose: some green and grassy sherry upfront, with quite some gunpowder and struck matches, and a certain rawness. Green walnuts, bitter oranges, a little fresh thuja wood, a touch of menthol, leaves, just a wee hint of rubber… It’s all a little rustic but I find this pleasant. Some parts remind me of the old 10 C/S, only with less roundness. With water: a little more sulphur, used matches, bitter leaves, raisins and really a lot of oak spices. Woodwork. Mouth (neat): a little heavy on the oak indeed (nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger that suggest European oak), then peppery and orange-y. Seville oranges, walnuts, more leaves, grape pips... Rustic again but not quite brutal. With water: nice, peppery, spicy, dry. Young oloroso, tobacco. It hasn’t got much of the old oranges and chocolate style left, though. Finish: medium, green, spicy, a tad bitter. Comments: a little rough, probably one for the hipflask.
82 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com