Macallan Classic Cut, Sherry Cask, 2017, 58.4%, 75cl

wildmint kettle18 Sept

The sherry character is clearly expressed, moving from red fruit and orange to dried fruit, ginger and oak. The drying finish gives the sweetness some balance, though this reads more concentrated and warming than fresh.

The oak looks well placed here: it carries through the palate and finish, but sits alongside sherry, dried fruit and sweet spice rather than taking over. That relationship makes the description feel coherent, especially with vanilla and caramel softening the oak spices. The finish’s gradual drying adds a useful counterpoint to the syrupy palate. This is the sort of oak-led balance I find appealing, with enough fruit and ginger to keep the wood from becoming the whole story.

busstop.postcard14 Mar

The strong, wet sherry-cask note sets a clear direction, with red fruits and baked dates alongside sweet ginger, oak and vanilla. Oak and vanilla appeal to my tastes, but the sherry character seems to take the lead here rather than sit quietly in the background. On the palate, caramel and dried fruits bring sweetness, while ginger and oak spices give the thick, syrupy character some contrast. The lingering finish moves through cinnamon, nutmeg and almonds before becoming drier as it fades. I like that shift: it offers a bit more shape than sweetness alone. This is an appealing single malt for someone who enjoys a substantial sherry influence, though that richness may be a little much if you prefer a lighter style.