Macallan 1990 (Whisky Agency)

An independent Macallan, where do you find that nowadays? Especially from an ex-bourbon cask. It was bottled by The Whisky Agency in 2013 as a Formosa exclusive (that’s the name of Taiwan when it was in Dutch hands). Just 36 bottles…

Macallan 23 yo 1990 (47,3%, Whisky Agency 2013, Formosa exclusive, ex-bourbon hogshead, 36 btl.)

Nose: very much on apples and pears, fairly neutral. Hints of sweet beer and Calvados. Ginger biscuits and almonds. Develops some damp leafy notes after a while and hints of porridge. After a long wait also nice orange blossom water.

Mouth: very sweet, with plenty of pears and apples again, as well as berries and breakfast cereals. A funny mix of maturity and new-make. A nice waxiness as well. Honey. Thick spirit with little external influences.

Finish: long, jammy, picking up both grassy notes and a little vanilla latte.

I can’t say I was hugely impressed by this kind of naked Macallan, but it’s flawless spirit. And I believe the name alone works wonders in Asia.

Score: 86/100