The Macallan Colour Collection 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

A limited edition Macallan matured exclusively in sherry casks and bottled at ABV 40%. It's part of the 'Colour Collection' which sees a return to age statements for the duty free market and represents a celebration of Macallan's commitment to natural colour and sherry seasoning. From its pale oak colour to the deep burnished chestnut of the 30 Year Old, the colour of these whiskies gradually deepens. The presentation is captured through the eyes of American Artist and Graphic Designer, David Carson, who collaborated with the distillery to create the campaign artwork. American oak casks, harmoniously complemented with a subtle inclusion from European oak are employed. This is probably quite a large outturn, yet it's still sold at an extremely high price compared to the general release 12YO, so you could say it's another Macallan aimed at 'conspicuous consumption'.

Other reviews... Around 150€ vs. around 70€ for the 12 yo 'Double Cask', there must be something happening. Pure golden promise? Proper sherry butts used in bodegas and not just seasoned? What's sure is that the label is beautiful. And the whisky, you may ask? Let's see… Colour: deep gold. Nose: reassuring, slightly fat given the low strength – which is good – with rather a lot of beeswax and many dandelion flowers, then some apricot and mirabelle jams, juicy fresh sultanas, fudge, acacia honey… It would then fade away a little bit, because of the bizarrely low strength. Are we still in 1995? Mouth: good presence, with the expected roasted nuts and toasted breads, but some burnt oak tends to feel in the background. Some chestnut honey, black Assam (remember we say Assam for any black tea, ha), black pepper, a wee bit of cardboard that, indeed, feels a little '1995'… And some fresh marmalade and more mirabelle jam lifting it a little bit. Finish: short, the 40% vol. really feel now. Or rather, they do not feel. Cardboard, sawdust, marmalade, dried apricots. Comments: it's rather simple, 84 points at 40% vol. and probably 85 at 43% vol., 86 at 46% and 87 at 50%. You bet! 84 points - whiskyfun.com