After the Speymalt Macallan 2005, here’s another one of these independent Macallan bottlings, this time undisclosed. Like G&M, Signatory Vintage seems to have a large stash of casks.
Speyside 18 yo 2005 (M) (57,9%, Signatory Vintage 2023, first fill Oloroso sherry butt ref. DRU17 A106 #20, 673 btl.)
Nose: a rich fruity layer of plums, raisins (in rum) and marmalade, as well as hints of maple syrup and red berries. Then milk chocolate, hints of hay and candied ginger. Hazelnuts, old oak, orange peels. A few savoury notes (tobacco) underneath. A classy mix of classic sherry markers.
Mouth: quite robust, the term sherry bomb is appropriate. Dried figs and raisins, mixed with darker notes of cold coffee and black tea, as well as some black peppercorns. Pipe tobacco appears, with chocolate, a dash of sherry brandy and a specific mix of herbal notes and sourness. A mentholated edge and leathery hints too.
Finish: long, on caramelized nuts, red berries, black tea or coffee and brown sugar.
Like most of these undisclosed Macallans, this is really good. It reminds us of the rich 105s and A’Bunadhs from the early 2000s. Like the others, this also feels a little pressure cooked and rough, but water tends to work well. Still seen at Whiskysite.nl. Several sister casks exist, check The Whisky Barrel for instance. Thanks for the sample, Karel!