The Macallan Rare Cask Red Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 2021 release
Like last years, the 2021 edition represents one of the distillery's "finest and rarest sherry seasoned oak casks". Or as Sarah Burgess, Lead Whisky Maker puts it, "Every oak cask has its own personality, with little differences that make them unique. From time to time The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team discovers casks maturing in our warehouses which stand out from the others."
While many have questioned whether there's actually any vintage variation in these annual bottlings, few have the chance to open them to taste. However, the 2021 is reported to be "way better than early batches" by the prolific Serge Valentin at whiskyfun.com. Review below.
Other reviews... There, one of those nasty NASses. Is the age really unmentionable here? I remember 2018's version was pretty cheap (WF 78). I mean, cheap on your palate, it is a very expensive bottle (300€ for a NAS, three times the price for the fantastic 15 yo). Colour: gold. Nose: eh? Don't I find metal polish, old coins, old copper (grandma's kettle) and a lot of acacia blossom and honey? And drops of trappiste beer? And biscuits? Madeleines? Shoe polish? Glazed chestnut? Mouth: I find the 15 superior, but they are not that far away. This one's more rustic, a little gritty and rubbery around the edges, perhaps a little too gingery too, but I would not cry foul, it's a pleasant, malty, honeyed, rather old-school palate. Now is it 300€ pleasant? Finish: medium, a tad 'cooked', malty and toffee-ed. The usual aspects in the aftertaste (remember, coffee, chocolate and marmalade) plus a little pencil shaving. Comments: some sides make me think of some lovely armagnac. I mean, 50€ armagnac. In any case, way better than earlier batches in my book. 85 points - whiskyfun.com
Notes from the producers... Soft aromas of vanilla with rich raisin lead the journey of discovery into this single malt whisky, followed by a sweet fusion of fresh apple, lemon and orange. Intense sweet raisin flavours dominate the palate, before giving way to vanilla and dark chocolate, with layers of light citrus zest. The finish is long, rich and velvety to offer a decadent whisky experience that will leave a lasting impression.