Macallan Edition No.5

I just had a chance to try the latest Macallan Edition No.5

A staggering 525 casks were used for this release (130 casks for the first edition and steadily going up). That means there are around 300k bottles out there. Don’t let them convince you this has investment potential…

The whole concept doesn’t quite compute in my opinion. Stressing the natural colour by partnering up with the Pantone Institute, fine, but coming up with this purple as a result? One of the few hues that you definitely won’t get in whisky.

Macallan Edition No.5
(48,5%, OB 2019)

Nose: a bit slow to unfold, but in the end you get sweet toffee, orange peel and golden raisins. Hints of pear. Lightly sherried, but with a fragrant edge of bourbon wood. Floral tea and ginger. Hints of leather. Reminds me of the perfumed nose of Edition No.3.

Mouth: elegant, on sugary malt, fresh and dried oranges, honey and juicy plums and berries. Ginger again, followed by a bit of pepper and clove. A light toasted / nutty note. Builds a resinous oaky note as well.

Finish: medium, with leafy notes, pepper and a hint of cocoa.

Really not bad and probably closest to No.3 because of the fragrant oaky side. However I’d love to get another edition that comes close to No.2. Still available in some local markets, I believe.

Score: 85/100